Shipping containers are classified as temporary structures and so you do not normally need planning permission. However, it’s always a good idea to check with your local authority as we can’t guarantee that you won’t need planning permission for a shipping container. For example, there may be special conditions in areas of natural beauty or conservation areas that mean permission is required.
Please note that one shipping container will be classified very differently to a depot full of containers or indeed a home or shop built from containers. If you are considering opening your own self-storage facility using shipping containers then we definitely advise you talk to your local planning office and follow their recommendations.
If you own a farm or industrial unit and use a shipping container to safely store store items then, in the majority of cases, no permission should be required, but again please check with your local authority for for peace of mind if in any doubt.
If you plan to convert any shipping container on your site into a structure that is no longer mobile or portable (for example cutting down two 20ft containers on one long side to make a single space, and then adding a pitched roof) then it its more than likely that you will require planning permission as this structure will will no longer be treated as a temporary or portable structure.
Blend a container into the surroundings
Where any of our customers have needed planning permission we’ve often been able to help with some simple yet effective solutions to help with their planning application such as making the container blend better into the surroundings.
Having a container that’s painted in a neutral green colour can help it to blend in with the surroundings. We can supply a new container with a green exterior or a very cost-effective option is simply taking a used container and re-painting it. With refurbished containers any dents and scratches picked up over the life of the container will soften the overall finish.
Another option that’s becoming more popular with our customers is to have a container supplied with wood cladding. This makes the container look really smart and blend in really well with the surroundings. If you’re using the container in a location where lots of visitors will see the unit, cladding is a fantastic option.
Of course, there are many other options available such as erecting a fence around the container or planting evergreen shrubs like Laurel that will grow large enough to hide the container all year round.
If you’ve disguised your container using hedges, fences or shrubs, how about sending us your pictures? We’ll send you a ‘thank you’ treat for taking the trouble and we’ll even and mention you on our social media feeds too!
Looking for a quality shipping container?
Premier Shipping Containers has a huge range of quality shipping containers in the UK and every shipping container we sell comes with our market leading 2-year wind & watertight guarantee when used for storage use. Along with our extensive range of containers, we also supply a range of shipping container accessories.
If you have any questions about this article, our products or service please call our friendly team for free on 0800 999 8988 any time 08:30-17:00 weekdays or send us a message via the contact form on this website and we will get back to you.