Thinking about placing a shipping container next to your house but unsure about the rules? We’ve gathered together some things that you need to know, whether you plan to use it as an office, shed, garage, extension, or storage space.
Since regulations vary by location, there are no definitive ‘one-size-fits-all’ rules. Each council assesses container installations individually, but the guidelines below will help you navigate the process.
It’s good to know that installing a shipping container on private land is easier than you might think, and in many cases you won’t need planning permission.
Below are the key features that have the biggest impact on whether or not you can put a shipping container by your house without seeking local authority approval:
Usage:
If you plan for your shipping container to be a permanent home office or a new room for your house, you’ll almost certainly need to seek permission.
However, if your shipping container is only going to be on your land temporarily, it’s unlikely you’ll need local authority approval; whether you plan to use it for storage, working or living in. To qualify as ‘temporary’, the container must be fully transportable and can only be placed next to your house for a maximum of 28 days.
Location:
A shipping container cannot stick out from the front of your house. It must be located next to or behind your home. Wherever you place your unit, permission is likely to be required if your house is near a listed building, in a green belt or conservation zone, or an area of outstanding natural beauty.
Your shipping container has a much better chance of being granted permission if it is designed to blend in with its local surroundings. Councils tend to take a dim view of units that stick out like a sore thumb!
The Size Of Your Container:
If your container takes up over half of the land next to your house, or it is taller than the closest neighbouring structure, you will likely need planning permission.
The Nature Of Your Project:
If the installation and usage of your container is likely to cause significant traffic disruption or noise, or affect the privacy or access to light of your neighbours, the chances of getting permission will be affected.
It’s wise to let neighbours see your proposals before you begin your project. They may be able to offer ideas for changes to the plans that could increase the chances of you receiving the green light.
A Positive Addition:
A shipping container next to your house should improve your home’s appearance, functionality and desirability. The more your project meets these criteria, the better the chance it has of being accepted.
Utilities Connection:
If your plan is to connect your container to electricity or gas supplies, planning permission will almost certainly be required.
Be sure to check out your council’s website for details about local rules and regulations and the contact details you’ll need. Below are some general steps to follow for each of the permissions you may require:
Planning Permission:
You must submit your plans to your local council who will consider your proposal before reaching their decision.
Building Regulations Approval:
This is required for shipping container conversions and any extensions you make to existing units.
You’ll need to share details of your plans with your local building control team. They’ll review them, and if they’re satisfied that your proposal complies with local rules and regulations, they’ll issue you with a building regulations compliance certificate and your project can go ahead.
Change Of Use:
It’s highly likely that you’ll need permission for shipping containers that you convert into an extension for your home.
Lawful Development Certificate:
Your local planning authority can give you a decision on whether your proposed use of a shipping container next to your house is lawful from a planning perspective.
Fire Regulations:
You should contact your local authority to discover the regulations you will need to follow as regards the fire safety of your shipping container.
Improve Your Container’s Appearance:
Let’s be honest, a metal container isn’t the most attractive structure to put next to your house. But, if you paint the exterior or cover it with decals or wooden/aluminium cladding, you can transform the appearance of your box into something that blends in with its surroundings and is pleasing to the eye.
Giving your container a ‘green roof’ on which grass, flowers and plants can grow is a great way to make your unit look more attractive.
Hide Your Container:
Keeping as much of your container out of sight as you can is a good idea. If space allows, you could place it under the overhanging branches of a big tree, or surround it with hedges or fencing.
Submerge Your Container:
If you are able to, dig a hole in your land that’s deep enough to house at least some of your container. This will reduce the visual impact your box will have on your local neighbourhood, decreasing its visible height and reducing the chances of your neighbours’ views being affected.
If you’re looking to rent a container temporarily, or if you’re seeking a container for something more permanent, Upminster Containers are the experts to contact first.
We offer quality containers for hire and for sale, and can deliver these strong, durable and space-extending solutions direct to your house.
We also have an expert team of container conversion specialists who can turn a shipping container into pretty much any kind of space you want – a home office, a gym, even an extra bedroom or living space.
Want to know more about buying or hiring a bespoke shipping container for your property? Get in touch with the dedicated team at Upminster Containers. You can call us on 01708 225350, email us at info@upminstercontainers.com or fill out our online contact form.
