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.
However, if you’re not ready to brave the world of building regulations, we have many options that you won’t require planning permission for. Take a look at a few of our top picks below:
Swings with climbing walls
Swing past the hours of admin and straight to hours of fun! These swing sets feature climbing frames but are platform-free and measure 2.5m, so they’re the ultimate solution to your planning permission woes.
Check out some of our favourites:
- Rebo Beat The Wall Wooden Swing Set with Double up & Over Climbing Wall – Pinnacle
- Rebo Glide Wooden Single Swing Sets with Climbing Wall and Swing Seat
- Rebo Wooden Swing Set with Up and Over Climbing Wall
- Rebo Steel Series Metal Swing Set with Up and Over wall
Swings with monkey bars
Like swings with climbing walls, swings with monkey bars are another platform-free solution for getting your cheeky monkey climbing. Below are some great options:
- Rebo Wooden Garden Swing Set with Monkey Bars
- Rebo Wooden Garden Swing Set with Extra-Long Monkey Bars
- Rebo Wooden Garden Swing Set with Monkey Bars
The Rebo Ninja Climbing Cube Wooden Climbing Frame
Standing at 2.2m with no raised platforms, this climbing frame is a great option that you don’t need planning permission for.
The climbing cube features a climbing wall, roll-over bar, climbing ladders, and monkey bars, so there’s no shortage of obstacles to keep your little one active and having fun.
If you want to double the outdoor fun, our Double Ninja Climbing Cube is just what the doctor ordered! This climbing frame does have a raised platform, though, so you should double-check you don’t need planning permission before building this in your garden.
The Rebo Mini Wooden Climbing Pyramid and Adventure Playset
The pyramid shape of this climbing frame means it won’t be subject to the ‘no platform’ planning permission rule.
The playset features chunky holds, rocks for little hands, and a secret den for hide-and-seek. It's also great as a base for creating a custom set; sandpits are the perfect add-ons for this compact piece of kit.
A world of outdoor fun at Outdoor Toys!
Climbing frames aren’t the only way to get your kids playing outside; there are plenty of other Outdoor Toys that don’t require a pile of paperwork!
Swings, trampolines, and bouncy castles are great alternatives for keeping your children active and entertained, and our ride on toys won’t sit still for long enough to be a ‘permanent structure’! And if your heart is still set on a climbing frame, our range is second to none!
Outdoor Toys has something for every garden. With 48-hour delivery and the option of 0% finance for qualifying orders, your kids could be climbing the walls in the blink of an eye! Visit our delivery and PayPal credit pages to learn more.
FAQs
What happens if you set up a climbing frame without planning permission?
Failing to get planning permission is not a criminal offence, so you won’t go to prison for putting up a climbing frame in your garden.
Your local authority will most likely recognise that a climbing frame is a temporary structure and will not take the matter further. So, as long as your neighbours are okay with it, you’re unlikely to get in trouble for setting up a climbing frame without planning permission.
However, if your local authority does get involved and serves you an Enforcement Notice, you must submit a Retrospective Application for planning permission. If this is approved, your climbing frame can stay. If not, you may have to take your playset down.
Can neighbours build climbing frames overlooking my garden?
According to the Planning Portal, climbing frames with raised platforms of over 30cm are not permitted. Climbing frames over 2.5m in height or closer than 2m from the fence or garden boundary are also not allowed.
These three rules aim to stop people from building climbing frames that could peer into a neighbouring house or garden. According to these regulations, neighbours cannot build climbing frames that overlook your garden.