New: the free 12-step MobCater startup guide is now in the app. Open the app →

Pop up Gazebo in Front of Garage on Private Driveway

by Alec
(Anglesey)


Hi
We’re registered with the council & had our EHO inspection, got certificates & insurance. Intend to put a gazebo up in front of our garage to sell hot drinks, & cakes. As it’s a temporary erection are we likely to need planning or be subject to business rates. Contacted our local council in Anglesey are was passed from pillar to post expecting a return call from. Trading standards & highways that never happened. Registered with business wales & signed up to their helpful online course but was told to ask my council. The EHO who inspected our kitchen thought the gazebo was a great idea but wasn’t able to elaborate further. Thank you for setting up such a great website.

Comments for Pop up Gazebo in Front of Garage on Private Driveway

Average Rating starstarstarstarstar

Click here to add your own comments

Jan 30, 2025
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Setting up a Gazebo Catering Business
by: David-

It sounds like you’ve already done a great job getting all the necessary registrations, inspections, and insurance in place—well done!

Setting up a gazebo outside your garage for selling hot drinks and cakes is a great idea, but there are a couple of things to be aware of regarding planning permission and business rates.

Planning Permission

Since your gazebo is a temporary structure, you may not need planning permission, but it depends on:

How often you’ll be trading – If it's just occasional (e.g., weekends), you might be fine. But if it’s most days, the council could class it as a permanent business and require permission.
Impact on public access or highways – If your gazebo is close to the pavement or road, the highways department may need to approve it for safety reasons.

Local council rules – Some councils have strict rules about operating a business from a residential property, especially if it affects neighbours.

Business Rates

If you’re selling from your own driveway/garage, you may not have to pay business rates unless the council decides your setup is a permanent retail business.

The best way to check is to ask the council's business rates department if your gazebo could be classed as a "rateable premises." If your total business property value is below £12,000, you might qualify for Small Business Rate Relief and pay nothing.

Next Steps

Contact your council’s planning department and business rates department (not EHO or Trading Standards—they won’t handle this).
If you don’t get a response, visit the council offices in person or email them with all your details.

If you’re still stuck, Business Wales might have an advisor who can help chase it up.

Your EHO is supportive, which is a great sign! If they thought it would be an issue, they would have flagged it. Keep going—you’re on the right track!

Click here to add your own comments

Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How? Simply click here to return to Mobile Catering Pitches.

Your first trading day is closer than you think

Start free today with the 12-step guide, and skip the trial and error most new caterers learn the hard way.

Start the free 12-step guide