Name: Mighty Oak Construction
Address: Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN1, GB
Telephone: 07850 357962
Price range: ££

Do You Need Planning Permission for a Garden Bar?

A garden bar has become one of the most popular additions to Kent homes — a dedicated space for entertaining, socialising, and enjoying your outdoor space year-round. But before you start planning your dream bar, you need to understand the planning rules.

The good news: most garden bars fall under permitted development rights, meaning you won't need formal planning permission. However, there are specific conditions you must meet.

Permitted Development Rules for Garden Bars

Your garden bar will typically qualify as permitted development if it meets the following criteria, just like any other garden room:

Size and Height Limits

**Single storey only** — no upper floors or mezzanines

**Maximum eaves height of 2.5 metres**

**Maximum overall height of 4 metres** (dual-pitch roof) or **3 metres** (flat or mono-pitch roof)

**Total area of all outbuildings** must not exceed 50% of the garden area

The garden bar must not be larger than the original house

Position Rules

Must be **behind the principal elevation** (not in front of the house)

If over 2.5m tall, must be at least **2 metres from any boundary**

Cannot be built on designated land (conservation areas, AONB, National Parks) without additional restrictions

Use Classification

This is where garden bars have a specific consideration:

The structure must be used for purposes **incidental to the enjoyment of the dwelling**

A private garden bar for family and friends is incidental use ✓

A garden bar that generates **commercial income** (selling drinks to the public) is NOT incidental use ✗

Important: If you plan to sell alcohol or host paid events, you'll need both planning permission AND the appropriate licences.

Licensing Requirements for Garden Bars

Personal Use (No Licence Needed)

If your garden bar is purely for personal use — drinks with family and friends, BBQ hosting, watching sport — you don't need any licence. You can stock and serve whatever drinks you like in your own private space.

Commercial Use (Licence Required)

If you intend to sell drinks (even informally) or hire out the space:

**Premises Licence** from your local council — required to sell alcohol

**Personal Licence** — at least one person on the premises must hold this

**Planning Permission** — commercial use changes the use classification

**Building Regulations** — commercial premises have stricter requirements

Our advice: keep it personal and enjoy it privately. The licensing and planning requirements for commercial use are significant.

Plumbing and Electrics for Garden Bars

Water Supply

A garden bar typically needs:

**Cold water supply** — run from the main house via an insulated underground pipe

**Sink and drainage** — for washing glasses and cleaning

**Waste water connection** — ideally connecting back to the house drainage or a soakaway

Electrical Supply

**Dedicated electrical supply** — run from the house consumer unit via an armoured cable

**Lighting** — ambient and task lighting for the bar area

**Power sockets** — for fridges, ice machines, sound systems

**Heating** — electric panel heaters or underfloor heating for year-round use

All electrical work must be carried out by a qualified electrician and comply with Part P of building regulations.

Building Regulations for Garden Bars

While permitted development covers planning, you may still need to comply with building regulations:

**Electrical installations** in outbuildings must comply with Part P

**Structural integrity** must meet Part A requirements

**Fire safety** — if the bar is within 1 metre of a boundary, the walls facing the boundary must be fire-resistant

**Drainage** connections may need building control approval

Design Considerations for Kent Garden Bars

Bar Layout Options

**L-shaped bar** — maximises serving space and creates a natural gathering area

**Straight bar** — simpler construction, works well in narrower spaces

**Corner bar** — efficient use of space in smaller garden rooms

**Island bar** — premium option requiring a larger structure

Popular Features

**Beer taps and keg system** — a real pub experience at home

**Wine cooler** — built-in refrigerated wine storage

**Cocktail station** — dedicated prep area with ice well

**TV/screen** — for sport, movies, and entertainment

**Sound system** — integrated speakers for music

**Bar stools** — high seating at the bar counter

**Lounge area** — separate seating away from the bar

Insulation and Climate Control

For year-round use in Kent's variable climate, your garden bar needs:

**Full insulation** — walls, floor, and roof

**Double or triple glazing** — large windows or bi-fold doors

**Heating system** — electric, underfloor, or air source

**Ventilation** — essential to manage humidity from drinks, cooking, and occupants

How Much Does a Garden Bar Cost in Kent?

Costs vary depending on size, specification, and features:

**Basic garden bar (3m x 3m):** £15,000–£25,000

**Mid-range with bar fitout (4m x 3m):** £25,000–£40,000

**Premium with full bar, plumbing, electrics (5m x 4m):** £40,000–£60,000+

These prices include the structure, insulation, electrics, plumbing, and bar fitout. Keg systems, wine coolers, and premium finishes add to the cost.

Read our garden room cost guide for more detailed pricing information.

Steps to Getting Your Garden Bar Built

1. Initial consultation — We visit your property, discuss your vision, and assess the site

2. Design phase — Bespoke design including bar layout, services, and finishes

3. Planning check — We confirm permitted development compliance or submit planning if needed

4. Construction — Foundations, structure, insulation, and external finish

5. Fit-out — Bar installation, plumbing, electrics, and interior finishing

6. Handover — Final inspection, demonstration, and your first drink!

Internal Links and Resources

[Garden Room Planning Permission Guide](/blog/garden-room-planning-permission-kent)

[Garden Room Costs in Kent](/blog/how-much-does-garden-room-cost-kent)

[Garden Room Design Ideas](/guides/garden-room-ideas)

[Our Garden Room Service](/services/garden-rooms)

We build bespoke garden bars across Kent including Tunbridge Wells, Sevenoaks, Tonbridge, and Maidstone.

View our completed projects and customer reviews.

Call 07850 357962 or request a free garden bar quote.

Garden Bar Planning Permission: Do You Need It in Kent?