Do I Need Planning Permission for a Barrel Sauna in the UK?

Thinking about installing a barrel sauna in your garden or launching a mobile sauna

business?

You're not alone. With the rising popularity of saunas in the UK for wellness and outdoor living, many people are asking the same question: “Do I need planning permission for a barrel sauna?”  The short answer: in most cases, no.

Barrel Saunas for Private Use at Home

When it comes to installing a barrel sauna in your garden, the rules are often similar to those for sheds, summer houses, or other garden outbuildings. As long as your sauna meets a few key conditions, it’s unlikely you’ll need planning permission.

You usually won’t need planning permission if:

• Your barrel sauna is under 2.5 metres high and within 2 metres of your boundary.

• It’s placed behind your property (not in front or facing a main road).

• You’re not in a listed building, conservation area, or national park.

• It’s for personal use only, not for rental or commercial purposes.

These rules fall under Permitted Development Rights, meaning most garden saunas won’t need council approval.

Mobile Barrel Saunas & Sauna Businesses

Running a mobile sauna business in the UK? Good news — our trailer-mounted barrel saunas are classed as temporary, movable structures, so they typically don’t require planning permission either.

If you’re using a portable sauna at events, festivals, wellness retreats, beaches, or on private land with permission, you’re usually in the clear.

However, for long-term installations at one site (like a beachfront or countryside venue), we recommend:

• Checking with the landowner.

• Contacting the local planning authority to be sure.

Councils are often supportive of wellness businesses that encourage outdoor relaxation, mental health, and sustainable living — and saunas tick all those boxes.

Garden Saunas for Airbnb, Holiday Lets & Commercial Use

Installing a barrel sauna for Airbnb guests, glamping sites, or commercial garden spas? This may require planning permission, depending on:

• Whether it’s a permanent structure.

• The size and placement.

• Local regulations around change of use or business activity.

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Again, councils are increasingly open to wellness and eco-friendly upgrades — but it's wise to get written confirmation for peace of mind.

Want Advice on Your Sauna Setup?

Every site is different, and we’re happy to help you understand what’s needed for barrel sauna planning permission in the UK. Whether you’re:

• Creating a home sauna retreat,

• Starting a mobile sauna business, or

• Installing a commercial sauna for guests,

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We’ll walk you through it.

Contact us today to chat through your plans — and don’t let planning worries hold you back. In most cases, adding a sauna is far simpler than people expect.