I am in the same boat. My apartment gets the full blaze of the western sun in the afternoon and I want to have a pull down blind. My apartment block has 18 apts with balconies but mine is on the top floor and doesn't have as much cover. I was also told I have to get permission for plantation shutters inside my apt despite the fact that there is no uniformity of blinds / curtains / window coverings with the other apts. Applied back in April and haven't heard a thing. Even though I am now on the Executive, there's a horrible old bag who has an investment apt and opposes everything. Have only been there a year but feel there are many battles to be fought with this creature in the future.
Could I try and get a majority vote on compassionate grounds? I can't see how blinds / shutters on the top floor at the back of the building would make any difference to anyone else but would take the glare and heat out of my lovely home and make my living so much more pleasant.