Have you got a flat roof in front of your first-floor bedroom? If so, you may have thought about adding a terrace on top of it as the ideal place to sip drinks on a warm summer evening. Unfortunately, it’s not as easy to do as you may think.
For clarity, balconies tend to be platforms, whereas terraces tend to be atop extensions, for example, and in this feature we're talking about terraces.
Local planning rules often object to first-floor terraces. The main concern generally tends to be about privacy — as a terrace will overlook your neighbours’ back gardens. But there are some circumstances where a terrace is more likely to pass planning. For example, if your flat-roof extension is well shielded from neighbours.
Alternatively, if your garden is partially sunken and the extension is considered to be part of the lower-ground floor (at basement level), your terrace would be deemed to be on the ground floor, and more likely to get approval.
This story is from the July 2022 edition of Homebuilding & Renovating.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the July 2022 edition of Homebuilding & Renovating.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
WHY I CHOSE...TO HIRE AN INTERIOR DESIGNER
Hiring a professional to help in an area you're not confident with can be invaluable. Ben Adam-Smith did just that by employing an interior designer to inject character into his and his wife Kay's self-build
HOW TO PREVENT YOUR HOME OVERHEATING
With UK summers getting hotter, what steps can be taken to prevent overheating in homes? We outline what you can do to have a comfortable property all year round
Multifunctional home office
How to create a hybrid space that's suitable for both work and home life
Build a new garage for less
Taking on a self-build or renovation project? Then factor in a garage from the beginning you can benefit from economies of scale and efficiency tactics, says Tim Phillips
The golden rules of house design
Designing a house is hugely exciting, but knowing where to start can also feel daunting. With the help of some top architectural experts, we bring you the golden rules that will ensure you create the home of your dreams
THE HEALTHY HOME
PART THREE: BOOSTING BIODIVERSITY IN OUR HOMES
Victorian overhauls
A carefully conceived extension could be the key to unlocking the potential of your period property without compromising its character. Let our selection of innovative schemes be your inspiration...
Bird's eve view
Peter and Romney Lelliott opted for an upside-down new build, enabling them to enjoy far-reaching country views from the elevated living space of their contemporary new home
A collage to treasure
Kirstin Eriksson has transformed her Cotswold property by taking it from a neglected cottage to a perfect family home packed full of clever design ideas
Hidden, paradise
With hard work and a lot of initiative, Minnie and James Vosper lovingly brought their run-down home into the 21st century