Fire pits & sunken seating in Cottesmore
Fire pits and sunken seating areas in Cottesmore, with the retaining walls and drainage done properly.
A built-in stone or brick fire pit typically costs £1,200–£2,000, and a fire pit with built-in seating from about £3,500. A full sunken seating area with retaining walls and drainage is priced per job, usually as part of a wider garden build. A fire pit or sunken seating area in a rear garden does not normally need planning permission.
- Fire pit with seating
- From £3,500
- Planning
- Not normally needed
- Ground
- Mixed limestone and clay
- Guarantee
- 5 years, in writing
Our 2026 guide prices, all in. Your fixed price comes in writing after the site visit. Council fees checked October 2026.
Fire pits & sunken seating in Cottesmore: what is involved
We build fire pits set into the patio and sunken seating areas dug into the garden, with retaining walls, built-in benches, steps and drainage at the bottom so the area does not fill with water.
Cottesmore is a large village north east of Oakham, with ironstone and limestone cottages in the old centre and a good deal of later housing, and Kendrew Barracks, the former RAF Cottesmore, just outside it. Family homes here often want a wider drive and a lower-maintenance garden.
We cover Cottesmore (LE15) and the villages around it, including Market Overton, Barrow, Burley, Greetham and Thistleton.
Ground and conservation in Cottesmore
Cottesmore sits on mixed ground on the edge of the limestone, and the North Brook rises nearby. Drainage varies from plot to plot, so we dig a test hole before deciding between a soakaway and a permeable build-up. Digging down into the clay in Cottesmore makes a sump that collects water, so a drained floor and drainage behind every retaining wall are not optional here; where there is nowhere for it to go, we pipe it to a lower outlet.
Cottesmore has a conservation area covering the historic village and no Article 4 direction, so normal permitted development rules apply outside listed buildings.
The North Brook runs from Cottesmore towards Empingham and Ryhall, and Rutland's flood strategy traces its course through the village. You can check any address on the Environment Agency flood map.
Sources: Rutland conservation areas · Rutland flood risk strategy.
Permissions in Cottesmore
- PlanningA fire pit or sunken seating area in a rear garden does not normally need planning permission. Keep fires a safe distance from fences, trees and buildings, and be considerate of neighbours: smoke can be a statutory nuisance. Listed buildings and the Cottesmore conservation area have tighter rules, so we check your address before anything is designed. Planning Portal: outbuildings
- TreesTrees in a conservation area need six weeks' notice before work, and protected trees need consent; both are free. Rutland County Council: tree works
- Design and priceWe measure up, check the ground and the planning position, and give you one fixed written price.
Rules checked October 2026.
What you get
- Retaining walls built on proper footings with drainage behind
- A drain or soakaway at the bottom so a sunken area never floods
- Built-in benches faced in stone, brick or render to match
- Fire pits lined and set at a safe distance from fences and trees
The specification
- Area set out and dug down
- Footings and retaining walls built
- Drainage and soakaway at the low point
- Paving laid to falls
- Benches, steps and fire pit built
- Five year workmanship guarantee in writing
“Really pleased with my new driveway. Beautifully finished, friendly professional workmen, would definitely recommend and will be using them again for the garden once other renovations complete.”
Driveway — Google review
“Absolutely great guys, job was done in good time and looks brilliant. No complaints, the driveway is immaculate. More work in the near future, thanks again!”
Driveway — Google review
Everything else we do here
Fire pits & sunken seating in Cottesmore: questions
How much does a fire pit cost in Cottesmore?
Do I need planning permission for a fire pit in Cottesmore?
Does the ground in Cottesmore make a difference?
Will a sunken seating area fill with water?
Gas or wood fire pit?
Fire pits & sunken seating nearby
Request a site visit in Cottesmore
We measure up, check levels and drainage, and send a written proposal with the build-up, the programme and one whole price. No pressure and no follow-up sales calls.