Outdoor stairs

Checking possibility of putting staircase outside, in order to increase the living space indoors. This search is prompted by an initial planning department response that the proposed plans may not be accepted due to "size and layout"

Building control have confirmed that exterior stairs are allowed for first floor access to dwellings, and furthermore a first floor open porch is also allowed. View from planning department maybe another story though.

Some ideas from google search. Any more stairs suggestions welcome. Bear in mind the British weather!