Generally speaking, No, you do not need planning permission to keep a storage or shipping container on your property. Shipping containers are considered temporary structures, and as such should be exempt from planning permission requirements.
What constitutes a temporary structure?
- If the structure is portable – whilst a shipping or storage container does not have wheels like a caravan or mobile home it is just as portable.
- If the structure does not have foundations.
- The structure is not designed to stay there permanently.
It is worth bearing in mind that some local authorities place additional restrictions, even on temporary structures like shipping containers. This is usually only the case if you live in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty or on (or very close to) a National Park.
A few points you should consider:
- Always seek advice from your local planning authority – some places have local rules that may mean you need planning permission – asking before you install a shipping container will make the entire process run more smoothly for you and avoid any costly mistakes.
- If you’re not sure which is your local planning authority, you can input your postcode into this site and it’ll find your local authority for you.
When do you need planning permission for a shipping container?
As the general rule of thumb is that it is usually unnecessary to seek planning permission for a temporary structure, such as a shipping or storage container to be placed on your property, the question is easier to flip to answer when you should seek permission.
- If you are converting a shipping container (or shipping containers) into a permanent structure for habitation, then you will likely need to seek planning permission for your shipping container conversion project.
- If you are converting a shipping container into a business premises, such as a café or other business.
- If the shipping container will take up or cover more than half the area surrounding the original property, you may need permission before proceeding.
Find out more about getting a shipping container
If you would like to get a shipping container for your property, you’re in the right place! We have a vast selection of shipping containers for sale or hire, including refrigerated containers, side access containers and tunnel containers. We can even undertake container conversions to transform your shipping container into – well – anything you like.
