It’s likely that you’ve seen shipping containers transformed into offices, micro-homes, pop-up shops and various other work and leisure spaces.
Both individuals and organisations are seeing the benefits of converting a shipping container rather than commissioning a new build/extension or seeking alternative premises.
That’s largely because the container conversion process is often quicker, more cost-effective and most importantly, less hassle.
That’s not to say there won’t be challenges with your shipping container. For example; the question of whether you need planning permission to place a converted shipping container in your desired location isn’t a straightforward yes or no—which is why we’ve dedicated an entire article to the topic!
In most cases, any shipping container used as an office or workshop on private land is classed as a ‘permitted development right’ which will not require planning permission.
However, getting planning permission for any kind of construction is rarely a simple process, and it’s worth remembering that it’s an offence to build anything without the appropriate consent.
So, whilst it may be tempting to go full steam ahead with your container conversion project regardless, if you are found at a later date to have failed to comply with local regulations, you may face fines and could be required to remove or demolish your converted container.
Nobody wants that, which is why we’re outlining here the main rules and restrictions you need to know about when it comes to converted shipping containers and planning permission.
It’s important not to let any potential planning hurdles put you off the idea of converting a shipping container. Do your due diligence before you get started and you shouldn’t have any problems. Many projects, especially those on private land, are granted planning permission with very little hassle.
There are five main factors that will likely determine whether or not your container needs planning permission:
How long your converted container will be in its proposed location is one of the most important factors to consider as regards planning permission.
Shipping containers in their normal state as steel boxes are classed as temporary, portable structures. If your converted shipping container is going to be in-situ for less than 28 days within the boundaries of your home, or on your farmland, planning permission is NOT likely to be required.
However, if you want your converted container to remain in the same location for more than 28 days, be that in a residential, commercial or agricultural area, in the eyes of the local council, your box will be regarded as a permanent structure which WILL require planning permission.
Size definitely matters to local authorities. The bigger the planned construction or extension project, the more likely it is that planning permission will be required. That will be the case if your converted shipping container is:
• Taller than the closest property
• Takes up more than half of the land surrounding your property
• Is over 2.5 metres high and located near to your property boundary. As standard shipping containers are usually 2.59 metres high, you may want to consider placing it away from a boundary line, or in a sunken location that will reduce its height to below the 2.5 metre threshold.
As you might expect, your proposed location for the converted container will have a big impact on whether it needs planning consent. As we’ve mentioned, a container temporarily placed within the boundaries of your home will be unlikely to need local authority permission.
But a container located in an area of outstanding natural beauty, or within a national park, or close to a listed building will require permission. In urban areas, containers placed close to busy streets or in public view may also face stricter planning requirements compared to rural or secluded locations.
Local councils may also evaluate whether the structure aligns with neighbourhood aesthetics. It’s best to choose a location in which your container won’t stick out like a sore thumb. For example, don’t let your unit protrude from the front of your property.
The more your converted container blends in with its local environment, the better the chance of a planning application being accepted. Our container conversion specialists can help ensure the exterior of your unit is painted or features decals that help it feel at one with its surroundings.
If you are intending to use your container as a temporary storage space, or as a short-term alternative to a garden shed or home office, then in almost all cases you won’t need planning permission.
Whatever use you plan for your container, it should add some extra benefit to your home. If you intend for your container to be a permanent fixture – perhaps as an extension to your home or business, or as a barn or outhouse in a field, local authority permission will be required. That will also be the case if you want to connect your unit to gas, water and/or electricity supplies.
Will your container affect the day-to-day life of your neighbours or the surrounding area? Will it restrict access, or increase noise and traffic? Will it adversely impact the privacy, views and light sources your neighbours currently enjoy? If the answer is yes to any of these questions, you are likely to need planning permission for your container.
In such circumstances, it may be prudent to tell your local authority and your neighbours about your plans before you get started to gauge their reaction. They may even suggest a few changes you can make that could increase the likelihood of planning permission being granted.
If your shipping container is to be a permanent structure (even on private land), as well as planning permission, it’s likely you will need to comply with the following regulations:
Depending on the location, adding plumbing, electrical connections, or HVAC systems to your converted container could trigger additional inspections or require permits from your local authority. Ensure you discuss your plans with building inspectors to avoid delays.
Upminster Containers is a leading provide of shipping container solutions. We facilitate shipping container conversions, shipping container storage solutions and quality shipping containers to buy or rent. With more than 50 years in the industry, we are experts in all things shipping containers!
Approvals for new structures are considered on a case-by-case basis by local authorities, and each local council has specific rules.
Our advice is to contact your local authority first to make them aware that you plan to install a converted shipping container on your land. That way, you will know where you stand and can enjoy peace of mind.
Once you’re good to go, get in touch with our team so that our expert container conversion specialists can bring your dream of extra space to life. You can call us on 01708 225350, email us at info@upminstercontainers.com or fill out our online contact form.
