28 Days
Permitted Dev Period
Free
Our Advice
0
Most Domestic Events Need
30+
Years Experience
The Plain-English Guide
Most Events
Need No
Permission.
For most domestic garden marquees erected for 28 consecutive days or fewer, no planning permission is needed under permitted development rights. This covers the vast majority of weddings, birthday parties, family celebrations, and private events in London. You do not need to apply to the council, pay a fee, or wait for approval.
Where things get more complex is in conservation areas, listed building curtilages, public parks, or for events exceeding 28 days. MS Marquees has navigated all 33 London boroughs for 30 years and will advise you on your specific situation — free of charge — before any booking is made.
28-Day Permitted Development
Most domestic events fall within this rule — no application, no fee, no delay. We confirm your eligibility as part of our free consultation.
We Advise on Your Situation
Every London property is different. We check your specific postcode, borough, and land type before advising — not a generic answer.
Conservation Area Checks
We identify conservation area status and Article 4 directions for your property and advise on any steps required.
Licensed Event Support
For events requiring a Temporary Event Notice, we explain the process and what information you need to provide to the licensing authority.
Planning Permission Scenarios
Which Rules
Apply to You?
Permitted Development
The 28-Day Rule Explained
Under the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015, temporary structures erected for no more than 28 consecutive days do not require planning permission in most residential and private settings. This covers the vast majority of domestic marquee events — garden weddings, private parties, family celebrations, and most corporate hospitality on private land. The 28 days runs consecutively, not cumulatively, so a single event of up to 28 days is generally fine without any application. There are exceptions — Article 4 directions in certain areas can remove permitted development rights, and the rules differ slightly for commercial operations — but for most domestic events in London gardens, no permission is needed.
Get Advice →
Conservation Areas
Listed Buildings & Conservation Areas
London has more conservation areas than any other UK city — from Kensington and Chelsea to Islington, Hackney, and Greenwich. If your property sits within a conservation area, or the building itself is listed, the standard permitted development rules may be modified or removed entirely. This does not automatically mean you cannot erect a marquee, but it does mean you should check with your local planning authority before proceeding. In many cases, a temporary domestic marquee is still permissible even in conservation areas, particularly for a single short-duration event. MS Marquees has 30 years of experience working across all 33 London boroughs and can advise specifically on your postcode and situation. We often help clients draft a simple notification letter to the local authority where required.
Get Advice →Park & Public Land
Events in London Parks
If your event takes place on a public park, common, or green space rather than private land, a completely different framework applies. Public land events require a Temporary Event Notice (TEN) from the local borough council or, for events in the eight Royal Parks, a separate events permit application through the Royal Parks authority. These applications cover not just the structure but also noise, crowd management, licensing, waste disposal, and restoration of the land. Lead times for park event permits vary enormously — some boroughs require six months or more for large events. MS Marquees can advise on the process, help you understand what supporting documentation is typically needed, and work within the timeline imposed by your permit. We have experience with events in Victoria Park, Hyde Park, Greenwich Park, and numerous local council-managed parks across London.
Get Advice →
Commercial & Long Events
Extended Hire & Commercial Use
Events that exceed 28 consecutive days, commercial pop-ups, ticketed festivals, and charity events on private land that attract members of the public all sit in a different planning category. For these, prior approval or full planning permission may be required, depending on the nature of the event, the land, and the local authority. Commercial marquee operations — such as a garden venue that hosts multiple events for paying clients — are treated differently from a homeowner hosting a single party. The licensing regime under the Licensing Act 2003 also applies to events where alcohol is sold or live entertainment is provided to the public. MS Marquees will be transparent about where the rules apply to your specific situation and can recommend planning consultants for complex applications.
Get Advice →
Our Free Guidance
What We
Advise On.
◻
Permitted Development Check
We assess your specific property and event type against current permitted development rights for your London borough.
◇
Conservation Area Review
We identify whether your address falls within a conservation area and advise on any additional steps required.
◈
Park Permit Guidance
Full guidance on the council or Royal Parks permit process for events on public green space in London.
○
Council Notification Letters
We help draft simple notification letters to the local authority where a heads-up is advisable even if not legally required.
●
Neighbour Notification Advice
Practical advice on how and when to notify adjacent neighbours to avoid objections and keep relations smooth.
◆
Event Licence Guidance
Guidance on Temporary Event Notices (TENs) for events involving alcohol, regulated entertainment, or late finish times.
⬡
Fire Safety Compliance
All our structures comply with current fire safety guidance for temporary demountable structures, with documentation available on request.
◉
Structural Engineer Sign-Off
For larger structures or those requiring council sign-off, we provide full structural engineer certification to BS EN 13782.
Which Category Is Your Event?
Permission
Guide
Most clients fall into the first category. The information below helps you understand which framework applies to your specific event before we discuss your marquee requirements.
28 days · Most domestic events
Private Garden Events
No Permission Required
- ·Permitted development applies
- ·Most parties and weddings
- ·Single private household
- ·Under 28 consecutive days
- ·No application needed
The vast majority of domestic London garden events fall here
Varies by borough
Park & Public Land Events
Council / Royal Parks Permit
- ·Temporary Event Notice (TEN)
- ·Royal Parks events permit
- ·Borough council application
- ·Noise & crowd management plan
- ·Land restoration bond may apply
Apply early — some boroughs require 6+ months lead time
28+ days · Public access events
Commercial / Extended Events
Prior Approval or Full Planning
- ·Planning application required
- ·Licensing Act 2003 may apply
- ·Commercial pop-ups & festivals
- ·Ticketed charity events
- ·Planning consultant recommended
We advise on requirements and work with your planning consultant
This guide is for general information only. Planning law is complex and changes. Always verify your specific situation with MS Marquees or a qualified planning consultant before proceeding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Planning
Permission
FAQ
The questions we are asked most often about marquee planning permission in London, answered plainly.
Ask A Question →