Trying to navigate planning permission regulations is like trying to get around your child’s bedroom after a busy day — no matter where you step, you’re bound to trip over something!
You might be surprised to learn that planning permission isn’t just for extensions and new buildings; you could also need approval to install a climbing frame… crazy, we know!
Whether you need planning permission depends on several factors, including how tall your climbing frame is, the size of your garden, and where you live. Keep reading to find out if you need planning permission to set up a climbing frame in your garden.
What is planning permission?
Planning permission is the process of requesting approval from your local authority to make improvements to your house and garden. You generally need planning permission if you are going to build something new, such as an outbuilding or extension, or make significant changes to your property.
Why would I need planning permission for a climbing frame?
Asking for permission to buy your kid a toy seems like overkill, we know. The whole matter is a grey area, but let us shed some light on why you might need approval.
A climbing frame falls into the ‘outbuildings’ category of Planning Portal’s guide to the rules surrounding planning permission. As a result, your climbing frame must comply with the same rules set out for outbuildings like sheds, playhouses, and greenhouses.
When you do and don’t need planning permission for a climbing frame
Here’s a summary of the main regulations surrounding outbuildings that are relevant to climbing frames:
- Outbuildings must be a single story with a maximum eaves height of 2.5m
- No balconies or verandas: raised platforms must not be over 30cm in height
- The structure shouldn’t take up more than half of your garden
- No structures to be installed in a front garden
- There must be at least 2m between the garden boundaries and the structure
- Additional rules may apply for properties in designated land such as Areas Of Natural Beauty (AONB), National Heritage Sites, or the Broads, as well as for listed buildings
Do I need planning permission for a climbing frame?
According to these criteria, you would need to get planning permission for most climbing frames, as the majority feature raised platforms. However, most local authorities wouldn’t enforce this rule for a children’s playset in practice.
It would probably be safe to assume that you wouldn’t need to get planning permission if your climbing frame:
- Is under 2.5m tall
- Takes up less than half of your garden
- Is located 2m from your garden walls/fence
- Is not located in areas of designated land
- Doesn’t peer into your neighbour’s garden
- Is a temporary structure that can easily be moved or taken down
Nevertheless, we don’t want to set a rule breaking example for our kids, so you should check with your local authority to ensure they’re on the same page.
We would advise you to get planning permission for a climbing frame that:
- Is over 2.5m tall
- Takes up more than half of your garden and is less than 2m from your garden boundaries on any side
- Is located in a designated land area
- Will be in your front garden
- Won’t be a ‘temporary structure,’ i.e. it is modified to improve longevity
- Overlooks your neighbour’s garden and/or impacts their privacy
If you are unsure whether you need planning permission for your climbing frame, it’s best to check with your local planning authority.
It’s also important to check that your neighbours are comfortable with your plans and will not object to the structure once you’ve put it up. No one (including your kids) wants to make that effort only to find out they need to dismantle everything!
Outdoor toys that don’t need planning permission
As most climbing frames have raised platforms, getting around the rules laid out above can be tricky. Whilst you’re unlikely to be denied permission because of this, it’s best to check with your local authority and neighbours before you commit to one of these.