Planning Permission Requirements...

In general, there is no need for planning permission for play equipment in a UK domestic garden so long as you comply with the following guidelines, and you give no-one cause to complain. However, planning restrictions vary from region to region and if you live in a conservation area there may be additional restrictions even on temporary structures such as climbing frames.

There may also be special restrictions for your property that are detailed on your deeds. Over the years we have been selling Rainbow Play Sets only a tiny number of our customers have had problems with planning permission, usually where their lease had special restrictions, or where they chose to ignore the planning guidelines and the set inconvenienced a neighbour.

Any form of structure that is to be installed in a front garden will need planning permission. Please check carefully regarding this statement with the current requirements for your home.

In the rear garden, any structure that is less than 4m (13.2 feet) with a ridge roof that takes up less than half the area of the garden and is 5m (16.5 feet) away from the house does not require planning permission. Since play sets are temporary structures, playhouses and climbing frames which are higher than this, but which do not give a neighbour cause for complaint are unlikely to be a problem.

If you are going to cut down trees to make room for your play system, it is advisable to check that a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) does not govern the tree(s) concerned. If you cut a tree that has a TPO, you could be fined up to £20,000 for each tree, or twice the timber value, whichever the greater. Your local council can advise you if any trees in your garden have a TPO on them.

You will need to check if there are any special orders preventing you from having garden structures of 4m (13.2 feet) or less in height. In conservation areas trees may be protected by special orders.The law requires that you give the local authority six weeks notice before felling or pruning any tree.

A landowner does not have a general right to privacy. However, your title deeds (or your neighbour's title deeds) may have clauses that protect privacy. If your play set will overlook your neighbour, discuss with them about your proposed purchase. If your neighbour does not like the idea of being overlooked, they can usually build a fence up to 2 metres (6.6 feet) in height without the need for planning permission.