The benefits of saunas have been known for centuries, but now more people are realising they can reap these benefits with their own private outdoor sauna.

As more people go for this option, usually accompanied by a separate garden gym set up, one question keeps cropping up: Do you need planning permission for a garden sauna?

The good news is that in most cases, outdoor saunas can be installed without planning permission. This comes under what’s known as ‘permitted development rights’.

However, there are important conditions and exceptions to be aware of before you have your own bit of functional luxury installed.

Can you put a sauna in the garden?

Yes, you absolutely can put a sauna in your garden in the UK!

Garden saunas are completely legal and have become a new and increasingly popular way for homeowners to create their own slice of wellness luxury.

Garden saunas come in several formats:

• Standalone sauna pods – Compact, dedicated sauna buildings for 1-6+ people
• Integrated sauna rooms within larger garden rooms
• Barrel saunas – Traditional cylindrical designs

At Lux Garden Rooms, we specialise in creating bespoke outdoor sauna rooms to seriously upgrade your garden into a private, spa-like sanctuary. Whether you’re looking for a simple sauna pod or a comprehensive retreat with changing facilities, we can design, build and finish the perfect solution for your needs and space.

Planning permission for garden saunas: The basics

In planning terms, garden saunas fall under the category of ‘outbuildings’ – similar to sheds, garden offices and summerhouses. This means they’re subject to the same planning rules that govern these structures too.

Most garden saunas can be built under what’s called permitted development rights, which allow homeowners to make certain changes to their property without going through the full planning application process.

When don’t you need planning permission for a garden sauna?

You generally won’t need planning permission for your garden sauna if it meets all of the following criteria:

Size and height

• The height doesn’t exceed 2.5 metres if the sauna is positioned within 2 metres of your property boundary
• For saunas placed more than 2 metres from any boundary, the maximum height is 3 metres (or 4 metres with a dual-pitched roof)
• The total area of your sauna and any other outbuildings doesn’t cover more than 50% of the land around your original house (as it was on 1 July 1948 or when it was built if later)

Location

• The sauna isn’t placed in front of the principal elevation (usually the front) of your house
• It’s within the boundaries of your property

Use

• The sauna is for personal, domestic use only
• It isn’t being used for commercial purposes
• It isn’t being used as sleeping accommodation

Meeting all these conditions means you should be fine to proceed with installing your garden sauna without applying for planning permission – happy days!

When you will need planning permission for a garden sauna

There are a few circumstances where planning permission would be required for a garden sauna:

• Designated land – If your property is located in a designated area such as a National Park, Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) or Conservation area, you’ll need planning permission. In these areas, stricter rules apply. For example, any outbuilding more than 20 metres from your house must not exceed 10 square metres in size to qualify for permitted development.
• Listed buildings – If your home is a listed building, you’ll always need planning permission for a garden sauna or any outbuilding.
• Commercial use – If you’re planning to use your garden sauna for business purposes, such as offering sauna sessions to paying clients, you’ll need to apply for planning permission.
• Additional facilities that require plumbing – If you want to create a complete retreat with shower facilities and changing rooms next to your sauna, you’ll need additional water and drainage requirements. This may trigger the need for planning permission and building regulations approval. For example, connecting to main drainage or installing significant plumbing works beyond a simple sauna installation might require approval.

Building regulations for garden saunas

While planning permission focuses on how buildings look and affect their surroundings, building regulations make sure that structures are safe and energy-efficient.

For garden saunas, some specific considerations include:

Size-based requirements

• Saunas under 15 square metres in floor area are generally exempt from building regulations if they contain no sleeping accommodation
• Saunas between 15 and 30 square metres don’t usually require building regulations approval if they’re at least 1 metre from the boundary and are constructed substantially of non-combustible materials
• Saunas over 30 square metres will need to comply fully with building regulations

With an outdoor sauna, it’s also essential to consider the electrical safety for sauna heaters, proper ventilation, appropriate insulation and fire safety measures.

It’s worth noting that even if your sauna doesn’t require full building regulations approval, any electrical work must still be certified by a qualified electrician to meet safety standards.

Our approach to garden sauna planning

At Lux Garden Rooms, we understand that navigating planning rules can be confusing. That’s why we handle all aspects of planning for your garden sauna project:

1. During our initial consultation, we’ll assess your property and advise on planning requirements
2. Our designs work within permitted development rights wherever possible
3. If planning permission is needed, we can prepare and submit the application on your behalf
4. All our electrical and plumbing work is fully certified and compliant with relevant regulations

This comprehensive approach gives you peace of mind that your outdoor sauna project will be completed correctly, safely and in compliance with all necessary regulations. We see it as our job to make the whole process as easy as possible for you.

Contact us today for a free, no-obligation quote and take the first step towards creating your perfect garden sauna retreat.

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FAQs about garden sauna planning permission

Can I install a garden sauna near my boundary?

Yes you can, but if it’s within 2 metres of any boundary, the maximum height allowed under permitted development is 2.5 metres. For taller structures, you’ll either need to position them further from the boundary or apply for planning permission.

Are there electrical safety requirements for garden saunas?

Yes, all electrical work must comply with building regulations. This means a qualified electrician should install and certify the electrical elements of your sauna, providing you with the necessary safety certificates. Lux Garden Rooms sorts all of this out for you.

Does a garden sauna need foundations?

Yes, for stability and longevity, a garden sauna should have proper foundations. At Lux Garden Rooms, we recommend ground screw foundations as they’re quick to install, environmentally friendly and provide excellent stability without extensive groundwork.

How far should a sauna be from my house?

There’s no specific planning requirement for the distance between a sauna and your house. However, for practical reasons, we recommend positioning it somewhere accessible but not too far from your home, especially if you’ll be using it in winter – however, a short, cold walk could form part of your cool down routine!