If you are planning to place a shipping container at a warehouse, factory, construction site, shop, yard or other commercial property, one of the first questions is likely to be: do I need planning permission?
There is no single yes or no answer.
Whether shipping container planning permission is required depends on factors including where the container will be positioned, how long it will remain there, how it will be used and the planning rules that apply to the site.
A container used temporarily during building work may be treated differently from one installed permanently for business storage. Local rules and restrictions can also affect what is allowed.
For that reason, businesses should check with their local planning authority before installing a container if there is any uncertainty.
Does a Shipping Container Need Planning Permission?
Placing a shipping container on land can potentially amount to development for planning purposes. However, whether a planning application is actually required depends on the circumstances.
Some development can be carried out under permitted development rights without making a full planning application, subject to the relevant rules and conditions.
For example, official Scottish Government guidance explains that permitted development rights can allow certain development without an application for planning permission. The rights available depend on the type of development and how the land or building is being used.
Businesses in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland should check the rules that apply where their premises are located rather than assuming the same requirements apply throughout the UK.
What Factors Can Affect Shipping Container Planning Permission?
Planning authorities consider the individual circumstances of a development. Several factors can influence whether permission may be needed for a container on business premises.
How Long Will the Container Remain?
A container needed temporarily may be viewed differently from one intended to stay permanently.
For example, a construction company might need secure storage while a project is underway. A manufacturer may want to install a container indefinitely as additional warehouse space.
Do not assume that calling a container “temporary” automatically removes the need to check planning requirements. How it is installed, used and how long it remains can all be relevant.
What Will the Container Be Used For?
Its intended use also matters.
Common commercial uses include:
- Stock storage
- Tool and equipment storage
- Construction materials
- Machinery and spare parts
- Archive storage
- Workshop space
- Site facilities
- Temporary business storage
Using a container purely for storage may raise different planning considerations from converting one into an office, workshop, retail space or another occupied use.
Where Will It Be Positioned?
The proposed location can affect whether planning issues arise.
A container hidden within an industrial yard may have a different impact from one positioned prominently at the front of commercial premises or close to neighbouring properties.
Planning considerations can include appearance, access, neighbouring properties, highways and the character of the surrounding area.
Is the Site in a Restricted or Protected Area?
Additional controls may apply to some properties and locations.
Examples can include listed buildings, conservation areas and other designated land. There may also be planning conditions attached to an existing commercial development that restrict additional structures or particular uses.
Check the planning history and restrictions applying to your premises before installation.
What About Temporary Shipping Containers?
Businesses often hire containers for temporary requirements such as building projects, seasonal stock or refurbishment.
Temporary use does not necessarily mean planning permission is never required.
In England, the Planning Portal explains that permission can be granted specifically for temporary buildings and that some temporary buildings associated with existing buildings or structures may qualify as permitted development when relevant criteria are met. It also advises contacting the local planning authority about the rules applying to temporary buildings.
If your requirement is temporary, tell the planning authority exactly how long the container is expected to remain and what it will be used for.
Businesses considering temporary storage can also read our recent guide to short-term and long-term shipping container hire.
Do Construction Sites Need Planning Permission for Containers?
Shipping containers are widely used on construction sites for storing tools, equipment and building materials.
Whether a separate planning application is required will depend on the project and circumstances. Temporary site facilities may sometimes be covered by existing planning permissions or permitted development provisions associated with the work.
Do not assume this is automatically the case.
Site managers should check the planning permission covering the wider development and any conditions attached to it before adding containers or other temporary units.
What if the Container Is Used for Business Storage?
Businesses frequently use containers when existing warehouses, workshops or stockrooms run short of space.
If you intend to install a container as a long-term extension to your available storage, it is sensible to check the planning position before ordering.
A change in how an area of land is used can also have planning implications. The Planning Portal advises businesses in England to seek local planning authority advice where a proposed change of use could require planning permission or prior approval.
Unit Group supplies shipping containers for hire and sale for businesses requiring additional storage.
Does Hiring Rather Than Buying Affect Planning Permission?
Planning rules generally concern the development and use of land rather than simply whether you own or hire the container.
Hiring a container does not automatically mean planning permission is unnecessary.
A hired container could remain at the same premises for years, while a purchased container could potentially be needed for only a short project.
Consider the actual use, location and expected duration rather than ownership alone.
Can You Put a Shipping Container Anywhere on Commercial Land?
Owning or renting commercial land does not necessarily mean you can position a container anywhere you choose.
Planning is only one consideration.
You should also think about:
- Safe vehicle access
- Fire exits and emergency routes
- Pedestrian routes
- Delivery areas
- Drainage
- Underground services
- Overhead cables
- Site boundaries
- Access to neighbouring premises
The container should not obstruct normal site operations or create problems for vehicles and pedestrians.
Our guide to shipping container delivery access requirements explains the space, ground conditions and access needed for delivery.
Check Delivery Access Before Choosing the Location
Even when the planning position is clear, the proposed location still needs to be accessible.
Shipping containers are normally delivered using large vehicles with lifting equipment. Unit Group’s transport guidelines state that deliveries of 8ft, 10ft and 20ft units can require a rigid HIAB vehicle around 38ft long, while a 40ft container requires a larger articulated vehicle.
The delivery area should also be checked for overhead cables, trees, drains, manholes and other obstacles.
You can review the full shipping container transport guidelines before arranging delivery.
How Do You Check if Planning Permission Is Required?
If you are unsure, contact the local planning authority responsible for the premises.
Provide clear information about:
- The address and type of business premises.
- The proposed container size.
- Where it will be positioned.
- What it will be used for.
- How long it will remain.
- Whether any alterations will be made.
- Whether it will be connected to utilities.
- Whether customers or employees will work inside it.
Photographs and a simple site plan may also help the authority understand what you are proposing.
Getting an answer before delivery can be much easier than dealing with a planning issue after the container has been installed.
Frequently Asked Questions About Shipping Container Planning Permission
Do I always need planning permission for a shipping container?
No. Whether permission is required depends on the location, use, duration and planning rules affecting the site. Some development may fall within permitted development rights.
Does a temporary shipping container need planning permission?
Possibly. Temporary use can affect how a proposal is considered, but it does not automatically remove planning requirements.
Can I put a shipping container in my business yard?
Potentially, but you should check whether planning permission, prior approval or another consent applies to your particular premises and proposed use.
Does converting a container into an office affect planning?
It can. Using a container as an occupied office or workspace may raise different planning and building requirements from using it purely for storage.
Who should I ask about planning permission?
Contact the local planning authority responsible for the location where the container will be installed. They can advise on the rules and restrictions that apply to the site.
Planning Your Shipping Container Installation
Shipping containers can provide practical additional space for stock, equipment, construction materials and other business requirements, but planning should be checked before installation where there is any doubt.
Confirm how the container will be used, where it will sit and how long you expect it to remain. You can then discuss the proposal with the relevant local planning authority.
Once the planning position is clear, Unit Group can help you choose a suitable container size and arrange delivery to your business premises.