When Do I Need Planning
Permission for a Shipping Container in the UK?

Shipping Container Planning Permission Key Considerations

Container Permitted Development Rights

Your shipping container might fall under permitted development, so you wouldn’t need formal planning permission. However, before you install a container, it’s crucial to understand when and why you might need planning permission.

If you construct or install something without the right planning consent, you could face the hassle and costs of having to remove it later. Depending how you'll use your shipping container, you may also need to consider UK building regulations. These cover important safety aspects, such as insulation, ventilation and moisture control for your container.

Temporary or Permanent Containers?

You can install a container without planning permission if it will only be a temporary structure. You might need storage or shelter during a property renovation or other short-term project. ‘Temporary’ is defined as up to 28 days each calendar year.

If it will be used permanently or longer than those 28 days, you might need planning permission for your shipping container.

Where You Are

The UK’s four countries all use their own planning systems. This means decisions about what does and does not get planning permission can vary across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Different local planning authorities within each country may also have different guidance and rules. This means your local council regulations will also impact whether you need planning permission for a shipping container. You should review their guidelines for any restrictions on size, location or usage.

Planning permission rules are normally stricter if your property is a listed building or within designated land. This includes National Parks, the Broads, Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, conservation areas or World Heritage Sites.

What Influences Shipping Container Planning Permission Requirements?

What You Will Use Your Container For

Permitted development allows householders to add certain permanent structures that will be used as ‘incidental to the enjoyment of the house’. You may use them occasionally, but they aren’t part of the home’s main living space.

This means you may be able to add a shipping container pool, garage, container workshop or garden shed. However, you couldn’t use a container as a bedroom or living room extension without planning permission.

Using your shipping container for business, like a home office, or accommodation can be harder to determine. You should get specialist advice as you may have to consider other factors too.

Container Size & Height

Small shipping containers don’t normally need planning permission. To fall under permitted development, your container should be a maximum of 2.5 metres high if it’s placed within 2 metres of your property boundaries. 4ft or 6ft containers are usually under 2.5m, which means they would be allowed on residential properties.

There are still limits on larger containers placed elsewhere - e.g. they will need to be single storey. You should check with your local authority for your specific council regulations on shipping containers.

It’s important to note that you cannot cover more than half the land around your original house under permitted development. ‘Original house’ means your house as it was first built (or as it was on 1 July 1948 for older homes). It’s vital to consider any additions, like a conservatory, small extension or garage. Remember that this applies to changes made even before you owned the property, so it's a good idea to check these.

How It Impacts Your Neighbours

It’s always good to let your neighbours know about any major changes you plan to make to your property. If your shipping container does need planning permission, your local planning authority will consider any objections from neighbours.

When deciding on the size and location for your container, you should think about how it will impact your neighbours. Could it block light or views? Could it affect their privacy? Negative feedback doesn’t mean your application will be refused, but the planning authority will weigh up your neighbours’ concerns when deciding on your application.

When Planning Permission Is Needed

• The shipping container’s installation will be permanent.
• It will be used as a main living area or for commercial purposes.
• The container is larger than permitted development rights allow.
• The container will go at the front of the property.
• The property is a listed building or within designated land i.e. a conservation area, Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty or a National Park.
• Local planning authority regulations do not allow such structures.

Tips for a Smooth Planning Application Process

If you do need to apply for planning permission for a shipping container, there are a few ways to make it easier. Whether for your business or your home and garden, getting planning permission is less stressful when you know what you’re doing.

Do Some Research

The planning portal for England and Wales provides advice on many changes to a home. There is separate planning permission guidance for Scotland and Northern Ireland. You should contact your local authority’s planning department for more specific advice.

Speak to Experienced Professionals

If you’re having work done at your property, you may already be thinking about working with various construction professionals. Land or property surveyors, architects or contractors with experience of shipping container installations can offer expert advice. They can help you understand the important legal details of your individual container project.

Prepare Thorough Planning Application Documentation

Follow the guidance from your local planning authority and construction professionals. Provide as much detail as you can to support you container's planning application. Photos, blueprints, and detailed site plans will make your application more convincing.

Keep Speaking To Your Neighbours

Making sure your neighbours are aware of what’s going on can help prevent objections that could delay your project. It’s much easier if you can keep them on side, especially if you might need contractors to access their property during your container installation.

The Shipping Container Planning Permission Process

Advice: Get advice from any construction professionals working on your project.

Understand: Check with your local planning authority and ensure you understand their guidelines for shipping containers.

Submit: Submit your planning application through your council’s website.

Consultation: Wait through the consultation period - your local planning authority will assess your application for planning permission.

Decision: Your council will make a decision. If your shipping container planning permission has been approved, great! If denied, you can appeal and consider altering your plans based on any feedback.

Understanding when shipping containers need planning permission can save you time, money, and stress. Combined with preparing a strong application, this will ensure that your container project gets off to a smooth start.