Balconies can be a great addition to a home: they can add extra light and ventilation to a room, provide some outside space and are a great way to take in the scenery. The right balcony can be a real selling point, increase value and make your home more attractive to prospective buyers. They need to be carefully designed to avoid any pitfalls: Security risk: making access to upper levels easier for anyone intent on breaking in, especially if the balcony is within easy reach of a wall or fence that can be climbed on. Neighbour disputes: if there are concerns over privacy/overlooking. If you are thinking of adding a balcony, always seek good planning advice from a design professional like an architect or planner. The creation of a balcony is generally not classed as permitted development under planning law – unless it’s a platform not more the 300mm high (decked area) or is a Juliet balcony which has no platform. Always obtain planning permission, or written confirmation that you don’t need it before you start work. Failure to obtaining planning permission before starting works or deviating from plans approved for planning purposes could find yourself having to reverse the works, face a fine, or possibly both. Further guidance on permitted development rights and balconies can be found via this Government article: ‘Permitted development rights for householders: technical guidance’