Shipping containers are the perfect way to utilise extra space in both domestic and commercial settings, they are ideal for secure storage of valuable items, office space, an annexe, a garden room or even a pool house.
No matter how you intend to use it, converting a shipping container is generally faster, cheaper, more sustainable and allows for greater customisation than traditional bricks and mortar, yet with the same highly secure and watertight construction.
But before you start any development on your home or business, it is important to check whether you first need to acquire planning permission in line with local regulations.
What is planning permission?
Planning permission is the process of submitting an application that outlines the works you intend to undertake for your Local Planning Authority (LPA) to approve before work begins.
Each LPA, a local government body that is authorised to approve or deny development in a specific location, reviews applications in line with their individual development plan for the area. Find your Local Planning Authority via the Planning Portal and visit their website for region specific information around fees, documents needed to make an application and local development regulations.
Do I need planning permission for my shipping container?
As a general rule, shipping containers are considered to be temporary structures like a caravan - portable and not intended for permanent installation. If it is being used as a temporary solution (for 28 days or less) you likely will not need planning permission.
However this rule is not a guarantee, and if you plan for the container to become a permanent fixture on your land it is likely you will need to first gain the appropriate planning permission.
Without this you are at risk of being in breach of planning control and receiving an enforcement notice to undo any development you have carried out; in a worst case scenario, prosecution can follow.
Factors to consider
There are several factors to consider when planning to install a shipping container on your land and whether it requires planning permission. Below is just a general guide and we would always recommend that you check with your local authority before undertaking any work.
Intended use
As already mentioned, if you intend to use the shipping container only temporarily you may not need to acquire planning permission, however if you intend for it to become a permanent fixture then needing planning permission is likely.
Below are some examples of potential temporary and permanent uses of shipping containers:
Temporary
Site office/site facilities
Farmland campsite
Short-term storage
Permanent
Shipping container home
Shipping container business
Commercial storage/self-store facility
These are only examples and are not set in stone. For example, farmers wanting to place a container on their land for storage purposes or use as a workshop may not need to obtain planning permission, the same is true for homeowners using a container as a garden shed (but it is wise to always double check!).
It is also likely that a container connected to public utilities (like water, electricity or gas) will require planning permission.
Location
Where the shipping container is being placed can affect the need for planning permission and incur other design restrictions.
For protected sites such as conservation areas, World Heritage Sites, areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and green belt land, you may be restricted by the size of the container you can install as well as its aesthetics.
This can include needing to modify the container to blend in with its surroundings, such as with a fresh coat of paint (often a dark green colour) or wood cladding for a more natural finish. Such requirements will be judged by Local Planning Authorities on a case-by-case basis and are in place to ensure that the development doesn’t have a negative impact on the character of the area.
Find out if a site is protected via the government website (https://www.gov.uk/check-your-business-protected-area).
Wider impact
Similarly to the point above, if a container’s placement is likely to impede access, lead to more traffic, increase noise pollution or affect any neighbours or businesses with a loss of natural light or privacy, then it is more likely that planning permission will be needed prior to construction.
Size
Generally, the larger the structure you plan to build the more chance that permission must be given by your LPA. This also goes for the number of shipping containers your design includes.
How do I submit a planning permission application?
The Planning Portal was established by the UK government in 2002 to allow people to submit planning applications electronically in England and Wales, it also contains lots of helpful information about the application process and relevant building regulations.
You can also submit planning permission applications via your local authority’s website (find yours here).
Building Regulations
No matter how you plan to use or transform your shipping container, compliance with UK Building Regulations is essential.
This government guidance establishes a wide range of standards that are designed to protect both people and the environment - from regulations around structural integrity and energy efficiency to fire protection and accessibility, there are specific rules for different kinds of structures.
Similarly to planning permission, building regulations approval is required if you plan on constructing a new building, making large renovations or changing the use of an existing structure. Building regulations approval is separate to planning permission and you may need both before starting your new project.
As a general rule, new buildings will require building regulations approval, so those looking to create a unique container home, office or other permanent structure will need to seek this out prior to starting development.
You can find all of the approved documents for UK Building Regulations on the government website here.
Containers Customised to Suit You
Did you know that we can repaint, resize, clad and otherwise customise shipping containers to your needs? Whether you would like a refurbished container, an off-the-shelf solution or a non-standard sized container fabricated from original ISO container panels, we are on hand to help.
Contact the team today for expert advice, shop our range of standard shipping containers online, or browse past projects we have completed to see how we can help to make your container conversion dreams a reality.
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