Do you need planning permission to install a glass balcony?

If you’re planning a home improvement project involving glass balustrade systems, you may be wondering whether you need planning permission or building regulations approval. In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at the regulations you need to consider for your project.

Types of planning permission you could have to deal with

Planning regulations vary across the UK, so it’s best to check with your local council for guidance specific to your area. However, generally, there are two types of regulations you need to consider:

Planning permission

Planning permission is required by councils for building new properties or making changes to existing buildings. This includes installing balconies or other structures that alter the appearance or use of a property. You’ll likely need to submit an application to your local authority and obtain permission before starting work..

Building regulations

Building regulations ensure that buildings and structures meet strict safety standards and won’t pose a risk to health and safety. When installing balustrades outdoors, such as to create a glass balcony, you need to comply with building regulations to ensure they’re installed correctly and meet the necessary safety standards. This may involve working with a professional installer and obtaining separate approvals from your local authority.

When do you need planning permission for glass balustrades?

In most cases, if you’re altering an existing building or building a new property from scratch, you’ll likely need planning permission. This applies to projects like installing balconies which can raise issues like overlooking neighbours’ property. While the use of a frameless glass balustrade may not necessarily trigger the need for planning permission, the project they’re being used in may require it.

However, as part of the planning permission, you may need to provide details of the materials you plan to use for any building or alteration work.

To check whether you need planning permission, you can refer to the basic guidance on the gov.uk website. However, it’s important to note that this guidance should be used as a starting point only, and you should always work with your local authority to determine whether you’ll need planning permission for your specific project.

When don’t you need planning permission to install glass balcony systems?

In some cases, your project may fall under the category of ‘permitted development’. Permitted development rights allow certain types of home improvements, like loft conversions or the installation of solar panels, to be carried out without the need for planning permission in some cases. However, the rules around permitted development can be complex, so it’s always best to check with your local authority before starting any work.

What building regulations do you need to comply with when installing glass balustrades?

In addition to planning permission, you’ll need to comply with building regulations when installing glass balustrades. Building regulations are in place to ensure that buildings and structures meet strict health & safety standards.

When it comes to glass balustrade systems, there are industry standards that you’ll need to comply with depending on your project. For example, glass balustrades need to be manufactured to certain standards to be used safely. It’s important to work with a reputable supplier that understands the requirements of your project, and who can provide balustrades that meet these standards.

What standards do glass balustrades need to meet?

During installation, there are several standards that need to be met in relation to their height and placement. For example, if you’re using glass balustrade systems on an outdoor balcony, they’ll need to be a certain height to ensure the safety of those using the balcony. The specific standards will depend on the details of your project, so it’s important to work with a professional who can advise you on these requirements.

Get the best glass balustrades from Express Toughening

Whatever your project, it’s important to choose high-quality glass balustrades that not only look great but also meet the necessary safety standards. At Express Toughening, we provide a range of toughened frameless glass balustrades that are designed to meet the highest industry standards. Contact us today to find out more about our products and services as well as to discuss glass balustrade cost within your project.

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What Our Customers Say

Andrew Cooke

Superb customer service from the Express Toughening team – when I made a mistake on my order online, they dealt with the issue quickly organising partial refund immediately. My order arrived quickly and their courier messaged me before delivery to check I was in. Quality product at the best price I found online.

Rated 5 out of 5
Kiron Kular

A massive Thankyou to Helen from Express Toughening for being so patient, co-operative and helpful with my orders. She resolved a re-make without any fuss and in an extremely timely manner. If you want glass – go to Express Toughening and ask for Helen!

Rated 5 out of 5
Andy Beviere

Extremely easy company to deal with, glass ordered weeks ago and asked for a specific delivery date due to glass testing and no one being onsite. Delivered on time and when asked for other types glass stated they couldn’t help but recommended an equally helpful company!!

Wouldn’t hesitate to use again.

Rated 5 out of 5
Brian White

I’ve used Express Toughening twice now and have been very impressed with the glass they have supplied and also the helpfulness of the staff. The first job was a couple of years ago when they supplied me with a 6mm satin frosted toughened glass door for our shower room. From my measurements they supplied a fabulous door which had the hinge and lock holes cut out and also took into account the out of square measurement of the door frame. It fitted a treat and is stunning to look at.

More recently (late last year) they supplied me with painted toughened glass splash backs (7 items altogether in 6mm glass with the biggest being 2.1 metres long), all cut to my sizes and with numerous switch and socket cut-outs. My local glass supplier said they could not cut out the close together sockets and switches, but Express did and got it spot on!

As with the glass door, the splash backs were delivered to me by Expresses’ own transport and without any problems and quality issues.

After the scary bit of fitting them all the result is faultless and stunning. Thanks go to Alex who helped me with the ordering process and technical aspects of glass splash backs.

Rated 5 out of 5
David Convery

4mm toughened glass for greenhouse. Although slightly dubious about ordering from a company I’ve never heard of and not local (300mile away) I’m so glad I took the plunge. A great customer service from Helen and the team from start to finish, clearly there was nothing for me to worry about.

Their website is easy to use and made ordering online a doddle and for those shapes, they don’t have on their website a quick email and rough diagram sorted any issues there. All glass arrived on time well packed and with no breakages.

It’s a company I wouldn’t hesitate to use again and I’d definitely recommend it to others who need quality glass cut to size.

Rated 5 out of 5
Tony Fields

Excellent product.
Exactly what it says on the tin.
Brilliant, friendly service from Helen.
Definitely recommended.
(And we’re on the Scottish border)

Rated 5 out of 5
Tony Owen

Fantastic service, fantastic prices and fantastic products – I could not recommend Express Toughening highly enough – I got an immediate response to my request for a quotation, and Helen was so helpful in answering my questions. Order placement was easy and everything arrived exactly on time and as promised. I won’t look anywhere else for my next order – great prices (way cheaper than other quotes) and great service!

Thank you!

Rated 5 out of 5
Sam Richardson

We have been using Express toughening for a number of years, mainly for glass screens and Toughened Glass for balustrade. The company are always reliable, deliveries always on time and friendly helpful service.

Rated 5 out of 5