The Short Answer

In the vast majority of UK residential situations, you do not need planning permission to install an outdoor sauna in your garden. A sauna falls under the same permitted development rules as garden buildings, sheds, and summerhouses. As long as you meet the standard conditions, you can install and use a sauna without applying to your local council.

This applies to both of our hybrid sauna models. The 2 person model (2100mm tall) and the 4 person V2 model (2400mm tall) both fall within permitted development height limits for most garden positions.

Permitted Development Conditions

To install an outdoor sauna without planning permission under permitted development rights (Part 1, Class E of the Town and Country Planning General Permitted Development Order), all of the following must apply:

• The sauna is positioned to the rear of the property (not in front of the principal elevation)
• The sauna does not cover more than 50% of the total garden area (combined with any other outbuildings)
• If within 2 metres of a boundary: maximum height 2.5 metres (eaves height)
• If more than 2 metres from all boundaries: maximum height 4 metres (dual pitched roof) or 3 metres (any other roof)
• No part of the sauna is forward of the front wall of the house
• The sauna is single storey with no raised platforms, balconies, or verandas
• Materials are of a similar appearance to the existing house (this is loosely interpreted for garden buildings)

Our Saunas and the Height Limit

The 2 person hybrid sauna is 2100mm (2.1m) tall, which is well within the 2.5m boundary limit. You can place it within 2 metres of any boundary without issues.

The 4 person hybrid V2 is 2400mm (2.4m) tall, which is also within the 2.5m boundary limit. You can position it within 2 metres of a boundary, though with only 100mm to spare it is worth measuring carefully if your boundary situation is tight.

When You DO Need Planning Permission

Listed buildings: If your property is a listed building (Grade I, II, or II*), you need listed building consent for any structure in the curtilage, including garden buildings like saunas. Contact your local conservation officer before ordering.

Conservation areas: In designated conservation areas, permitted development rights for outbuildings are more restrictive. Any outbuilding with a total floor area exceeding 10 square metres may require planning permission if it is within the curtilage of a listed building. The rules vary, so check with your local planning authority.

Article 4 directions: Some areas have Article 4 directions that remove specific permitted development rights. This is common in national parks, areas of outstanding natural beauty (AONBs), and some urban conservation areas. Check your local planning authority website to see if any Article 4 directions apply to your property.

Flats and maisonettes: Permitted development rights for outbuildings only apply to houses, not flats or maisonettes. If you live in a flat with garden access, you will likely need planning permission.

Exceeding the conditions: If your sauna would breach any of the conditions listed above (for example, covering more than 50% of your garden area when combined with existing outbuildings), you will need to apply for planning permission.

Building Regulations

Building regulations are separate from planning permission. An outdoor sauna does not typically require building regulations approval because it is classified as an outbuilding ancillary to the main dwelling. However, the electrical installation must comply with Part P of the building regulations and should be completed by a registered electrician who can self certify the work.

Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland

The permitted development rules described above apply to England. Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland have their own planning regulations that are broadly similar but differ in detail. If you are outside England, check with your local planning authority before proceeding.