With National Gardening Month upon us, many homeowners across the UK are turning their attention to making the most of their outdoor space. With the weather improving and longer evenings on the horizon, now is the perfect time to transform your garden into a functional, stylish extension of your home.

Across the UK, around 70% of people now use their garden as a place to relax, unwind, and entertain. This shift in lifestyle has seen a significant rise in demand for garden rooms, studios, and multifunctional outdoor buildings. Whether it is for leisure, work, or socialising, gardens are no longer just green spaces, they are becoming essential living areas.

With major summer events such as Wimbledon and the Football World Cup 2026 also approaching, there has never been a better moment to upgrade your outdoor space for entertaining.

Creating the Perfect Summer Garden Space

When it comes to getting your garden summer-ready, versatility is key. A bespoke garden building can completely change how you use your outdoor space, offering comfort, style, and year-round practicality.

Some of the most popular ideas include:

• Garden bars for hosting friends during sports matches or summer evenings
• Games rooms for family entertainment and social gatherings
• Dedicated hot tub decks for relaxation and wellbeing

A garden bar is particularly popular during summer sporting events. Picture serving chilled Pimm’s or G&Ts while watching Wimbledon or a major football tournament, all from the comfort of your garden without disturbing the rest of the house. 

Similarly, a games room offers a flexible space for all ages. From table tennis and pool tables to gaming setups and movie nights, it keeps entertainment separate from the main home while still being close at hand.

Hot Tub Garden Rooms and Decked Spaces

One of the fastest growing trends in garden design is the integration of hot tubs into bespoke garden buildings. A well-designed hot tub deck or enclosure can completely transform the experience of outdoor relaxation.

All of our buildings can be constructed with a canopy option, creating the perfect sheltered hot tub space. A covered canopy provides both privacy and protection, meaning you can enjoy your hot tub come rain or shine, which is particularly handy in Cornwall’s changing climate.

One of our previous projects involved a customer who wanted a modern, sophisticated garden room with a dedicated decked area designed to house their hot tub. The result was a seamless blend of indoor comfort and outdoor luxury, allowing them to move effortlessly between the two spaces.

Flexible Design for Every Garden

Every garden building we create is individually designed, ensuring it fits your space, style, and requirements. Whether you prefer covered sides for extra shelter or an open roof design for a more natural outdoor feel, everything can be tailored to suit your needs exactly.

This flexibility is what makes bespoke garden buildings so popular across Cornwall and the wider UK. No two gardens are the same, and no two customers have the same vision. Custom design ensures your building works perfectly for how you want to use it, whether that is entertaining, relaxing, or working from home.

Trusted Garden Building Specialists in Cornwall

Garden Buildings Cornwall is a family-run business specialising in bespoke timber garden buildings, annexes, and mobile homes. With over 11 years of experience serving Cornwall, we have built a reputation for quality craftsmanship and tailored design solutions.

Our show site at Goonhavern Garden Centre allows customers to explore different styles and ideas in person, helping them visualise how a garden room or outdoor building could transform their own space.

We understand that a garden building is a long-term investment, which is why every project is designed with durability, functionality, and aesthetics in mind. 

Transform Your Garden This Summer

With National Gardening Month encouraging homeowners to make the most of their outdoor spaces, now is the ideal moment to rethink how you use your garden. Whether you’re dreaming of a garden bar for summer entertaining, a family games room, or a bespoke hot tub enclosure, a custom garden building can completely elevate your space.

We can handle the entire process for you – from groundworks and structural installation to electrics and interior finishing. There’s no need to coordinate multiple trades or juggle different contractors; everything is delivered as part of a seamless, turn key service.

If you’re ready to transform your garden and make the most of your space this summer, get in touch with Garden Buildings Cornwall today. After all, there’s nowhere better to enjoy the season than right here in Cornwall.

If you’re considering adding a garden room or outdoor building in Cornwall, one of the first questions you’ll likely ask is whether planning permission is required. The good news is that in many cases, the answer is no – but it does depend on the size, height, and intended use of the building.

Understanding the rules around permitted development, mobile homes, and lawful use is essential before progressing with your project. At Garden Buildings Cornwall, we help customers design and install bespoke structures that comply with current regulations while still achieving the perfect space for their needs.

Do I need planning permission for a garden room in Cornwall?

In most cases, garden rooms fall under what is known as permitted development rights. This means you can build without applying for full planning permission, provided certain conditions are met.

Typically, a garden building will qualify if:

• The total footprint is under around 30m²
  
• The structure is single-storey
  
• The maximum height is generally 2.5 metres
  
• If placed more than 2 metres from the boundary, the height may increase to:
  
  • Up to 3 metres for a flat or pent roof
    
  • Up to 4 metres for a pitched or apex roof
    
• It is used as an ancillary space (such as a home office, gym, studio, or hobby room)
  

These guidelines make it possible for many homeowners to create highly functional outdoor spaces without the delays and costs of a planning application.

However, the key factor is always use. As long as the building is not used as a separate living accommodation, it will usually remain within permitted development rules.

When a Garden Room Becomes a Home

The situation changes when a garden building is used for sleeping accommodation or self-contained living.

If the structure includes sleeping space, a bathroom, kitchen, and operates independently from the main house, it may be classed as a new dwelling. In these cases, planning permission is often required.

This is where many homeowners become interested in alternatives such as garden lodges or mobile homes, which can sometimes offer more flexibility under different regulations.

At Garden Buildings Cornwall, our bespoke timber frame mobile homes are built to comply with the 1968 Caravan Act and BS3632 Park Home Regulations. This distinction is important, as it can significantly influence whether planning permission is required.

Do I need planning permission for a mobile home in Cornwall?

In Cornwall, many garden buildings do not need full planning permission if they fall under permitted development rules. However, if you want certainty, you can apply for a Lawful Development Certificate (LDC) through Cornwall Council. This confirms your building is legal and helps avoid any future planning issues.

Despite the name, mobile homes and lodges that fall under 1968 Caravan Act do not need wheels, but they must be transportable and meet specific size limits (typically up to 20m x 6.8m).

To qualify under caravan rules, the building must:

• Be within the garden of the main house
  
• Be used as ancillary accommodation for family or guests
  
• Be built in a way that allows it to be transported in sections

• Not be a separate rental or independent dwelling
  
• Not change the use of the land
  

If these conditions are met, planning permission is often not required – but it is always best to confirm with Cornwall Council, or apply for an LDC for added reassurance.

Planning Advice and Peace of Mind

While many garden buildings fall under permitted development or caravan legislation, every site is slightly different. Factors such as location, land designation, and intended use can all influence whether permission is required.

That’s why we always recommend speaking with Cornwall Council early in the process. In many cases, applying for a Lawful Development Certificate is the simplest way to confirm everything is compliant before construction begins.

Ready to Plan Your Garden Room, Lodge or Mobile Home in Cornwall?

If you’re considering a garden room, lodge, or mobile home in Cornwall, the first step is understanding what you can build on your site and whether it falls under permitted development or requires planning permission.

At Garden Buildings Cornwall, we are a family-run business based at Goonhavern Garden Centre, specialising in bespoke timber frame garden buildings, lodges, and mobile homes.

From design to installation, we work with you to create a space that suits your lifestyle, budget, and long-term needs.

Get in touch with Garden Buildings Cornwall today to discuss your ideas, explore designs, and find out whether your project falls under permitted development or requires planning permission. 

We’ll help you make the process simple, clear, and stress-free – so you can focus on creating your perfect space.

Please note: Planning regulations are subject to change, and guidance should always be confirmed with Cornwall Council or a qualified planning advisor before proceeding.