would i need planning for velux cabrio windows?

[zebbedy]

would i need planning for these? its just a velux really but the bottom bit opens and has a side bit to stop it flopping down, not a permanent balcony structure

im semi-detached

video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CEiAvGaiSeg


thanks for any advice , also im based in Scotland not sure if its different

 

[Polstar]

i would automatically say no as it is a roof window, but then i know that planners (in England anyway) get very cautious about 'balconies'! might be worht a phone call to local planning officer - make it a general enquiry rather than for your specific property!

please come back with anything you find out - it is an interesting one!

Edyd Myers
Polstar Building Design

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

Yes you would need planning permission, rules are very clear
http://www.planningportal.gov.uk/permission/commonprojects/loftconversion/

 

[^woody^]

That type of window folds down flat - or more precisely does not project more than 150mm from the roof, and so would be permitted development - ie no permission required

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

So ^woody^ you're saying a product that is promoted as a balcony is allowed under rules that specifically do not allow the installation of a balcony?

 

[^woody^]

Yes, it is just a window - which it will be for the majority of the time. It is not a balcony, rather once opened it has some guarding

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

So you just say to the planners I won't use it as a balcony much?

(even though we both know it will never get used by the OP )

 

[^woody^]

It does not meet the definition of a balcony in terms of planning permission - it is still a roof window

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

Where does it define that then Sir?

 

[^woody^]

GPDO guidance

Class A

A balcony is defined as a platform with a rail, balustrade or parapet projecting outside an upper storey of a building.

FAQ's

Class B. 1 (d) (i) – addition or alteration to dwellinghouse roof.
Q. Clarification sought on the provision of a balustrade or safety barrier set in front of French doors.

A. The provision of a balustrade where there is no external access is permitted under Class B.

Despite Velux describing the Cabrio as a "balcony roof window", in planning terms it is not a balcony, and the window is PD under the GPDO 2008

We'll break for lunch now and class will resume at 2:30 prompt

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

H'mm not overly convinced Mr ^woody^, would you say you can or cannot access the outside with this type of window?

 

[^woody^]

Not unless you were Raffles or a fireman

Seriously, the point is it is a window not a door so can't be accessed from the outside - no handle

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

H'mm still not convinced Sir, I'd be recommending a CLD if I ever get a client who's a bit bonkers and wants one.

 

[simonjay]

H'mm still not convinced Sir, I'd be recommending a CLD if I ever get a client who's a bit bonkers and wants one.

House near my mum has a french door upstairs with no barrier outside. I'm guessing it opens outwards and there is a barrier on the inside. Presumably this is to get round the planning permission issue.

However it does look like a suicide window, and must look odd if the door are opened outwards into thin air.

Simon.

 

[DevilDamo]

I've had this come up in the past and have had it confirmed in writing... the GDL (Cabrio Balcony) is defined as a "balcony" and therefore requires PP.

On a slightly different note, a juliette balcony is however PD.