Do I Need Planning Permission to Put a Climbing Frame in my Garden?

We often get asked if planning permission is needed when buying a proper climbing frame. The general answer is no, as we’ve been selling and installing cedar and redwood climbing frames in UK gardens since 1996 without the need for planning permission. While it’s not typically required, there was one instance where planners instructed the removal of a climbing frame. In this isolated case, the frame was placed in the front garden, against local authority. 

We could recommend to our customers, if unsure, to contact your local council, especially if you reside in a listed building or an area of outstanding natural beauty. Responses may vary between councils, and even officials within the same council might offer different opinions due to the interpretive nature of their guidance.  

There are, understandably, rules for what you can and can’t build in you back garden under permitted development rights and you should refer to your local authority if you want to get clarity on these, but our climbing frames may not even be covered by permitted development as they are temporary structures that are not fixed to the ground in any way.  

In fact, we move a significant number of Rainbow Climbing Frames from one garden to another every year. We hope this has given you a bit of clarity on planning permission and Rainbow Climbing Frames, however if you do need more advice, please feel free to get in touch with the team on 01276 477461.