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Written question asked by Mark Pritchard (Conservative) on Friday, 1 September 2023, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 5 September 2023. It was answered by Baroness Maclean of Redditch (Conservative) on Monday, 11 September 2023 on behalf of the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.

Flats: Balconies

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, if he will take steps with housing developers to deliver an increase in the proportion of new apartments in urban areas which are built with balconies.

Answer

The Government recognises through our national planning policy the importance that new development provides well-designed, healthy and inclusive new homes for all residents.

In support of this, our National Design Guide, which informs the preparation of local planning policies and guidance, emphasises the benefits that access to external private space, including balconies on new apartments, can bring in supporting the health and wellbeing of residents.

In addition, the National Model Design Code highlights how local councils can use design codes to consider the provision and size of balconies on new apartments in urban areas, where appropriate in the local context. Design codes can give developers greater certainty on design expectations at an early stage in the planning process.

Our national design guidance has been developed in consultation with built environment professionals, including housing developers, with the feedback collated and reviewed prior to publication.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
195753
Session
2022-23
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Flats Urban areas Balconies
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk