How to Add a Bike Box on Your Front Patio

Guide for Queen's Park / Brent Conservation Area

Interested in how we can make Queen's Park a safer, more liveable neighborhood? Visit: qpls.uk

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Choose your bike box vendor and model

Pick a box that fits your needs. Consider how many bikes, child seats or trailers you need to store. It should fit your patio space, including clearance, height, and width. Ensure there's room for opening the doors.

The model I used: PedalBase 3-bike box from The Bike Shed Company (thebikeshedcompany.com/products/pedalbase)

2. Planning permission (if required)

If your house is in the Queen's Park Conservation Area (or any conservation area in Brent), you must apply for planning permission before installing a bike box.

  • Apply via Brent Council using their planning guidance.
  • An approved application for reference: Brent Planning Application No. DCAPR_172436
  • When applying, submit for approval dimensions slightly larger than the manufacturer's stated dimensions on your bike box of choice, especially on height; when they install your box, ensuring it's level on a graded patio may add 50-100mm to the installed height.

3. Get drawings (elevations)

  • You'll need simple existing vs. proposed elevations, with measurements, to submit with your planning application.
  • You can hire a vendor on Fiverr: MinhThienArch to draw elevations. It costs roughly £100.
  • Provide property photos or neighbouring houses as templates to reduce the costs for drawing up your elevations.

4. Order & schedule installation

Once planning is approved:

  • Order your bike box
  • Schedule an installation date
  • Allow about 4-8 weeks for delivery / lead time

5. (Optional) Add high-security features

Recommended extras (specify at time of purchase):

  • Strong locking mechanism(s)
  • Anti-jemmy hinges
  • Internal anchor points or ground fixing
  • Alarm (shed companies will sell you one)

6. Installation

Installation typically takes about half a day.

In my case, no drilling into the patio was needed — the installer leveled the unit and ensured correct drainage.

What You'll Need Before You Start

  • Measurements of front patio (width, height, setback from boundary)
  • Photos of the frontage (straight-on + side angles)

Helpful Links

FAQs

Q: Do I always need planning permission?

A: If you're in a conservation area (like Queen's Park), yes. Outside those zones, it can vary — but checking with Brent Council first is wise.

Q: How long does the whole process take?

A:

  • Drawings: a few days (if outsourced)
  • Planning approval: several weeks
  • Delivery + installation: usually 4-8 weeks after approval

Q: Will my patio need to be drilled?

A: Not necessarily. In my case, the box was installed without drilling, using level supports. Ask the installer about your specific model.

Q: What security steps should I consider?

A: Use a lockable box, solid hinges, internal anchoring, lock each bike (frame/wheel), keep serial numbers, keep keys safe. If you have security cameras, point one at the box.

Contact / Questions

If you have any questions about the process, want tips for your specific house, or want to see more photos or details, happy to help — just email using the form on the home page.

Disclaimer

This is a guide based on a personal project in Brent's Queen's Park Conservation Area. Regulations, processing times, and requirements can change; always verify with Brent Council and your installer.

Interested in how we can make Queen's Park a safer, more liveable place? Visit: qpls.uk

Street scene showing multiple cars stopped in traffic, pedestrians walking, trees without leaves, and buildings including a brick building and a modern structure with balconies and glass. Signs indicate no stopping rules.
A lively urban street scene with shops, cafes, people walking, cyclists, and cars against a backdrop of brick buildings and green trees.
Two people riding bicycles down a parked car-lined street on a sunny day, with leafless trees and residential houses in the background.