Planning Permission for Shipping Containers in the UK: A Guide for Homeowners and Businesses

Planning Permission for Shipping Containers in the UK: A Guide for Homeowners and Businesses

28th May 2025

Planning Permission for Shipping Containers in the UK: A Guide for Homeowners and Businesses

28th May 2025
Planning Permission for Shipping Containers in the UK: A Guide for Homeowners and Businesses

Shipping containers have become increasingly popular in the UK for all sorts of uses — from extra garden storage to pop-up shops and classrooms. However, before you place a shipping container on your property, it’s crucial to understand the planning permission rules to avoid complications.

This guide outlines the current UK laws and guidelines (as of 2025) regarding planning permission for shipping containers. It focuses primarily on domestic situations (like placing a container in your garden or driveway) and also covers rules for businesses, schools, construction sites, and other commercial settings.

Understanding Permitted Development Rights

Permitted development rights are a set of planning rules that let you make certain changes to your property without needing full planning permission. These rights apply in England and are broadly similar across the rest of the UK. However, planning legislation is devolved, so Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland may have different rules or interpretations. 

Always check with your local planning authority for region-specific guidance, especially if you're outside of England. They can advise on any additional requirements or variations that may apply in your area.

When it comes to shipping containers, permitted development rights might cover things like:

  • Putting a container in your garden for storage, if it stays within height and placement limits (see below)
  • Using a container during construction work, while the project is ongoing
  • Temporarily placing a container on land for up to 28 days in a calendar year

It’s worth remembering that these rights don’t apply to every property or use. If your land is protected, or you plan to use the container for something more substantial — like living in it or running a business — planning permission may still be required.

For a step-by-step guide on preparing for a container-based project, including planning considerations, check out our article on Project Planning for Shipping Container Extensions & Outbuildings.

Do I Need Planning Permission for a Shipping Container at Home?

For homeowners, planning permission is often not required if the container is used like a typical shed or outbuilding and meets certain criteria. Under UK permitted development rights, structures like sheds and containers can be installed without formal permission as long as specific limits are followed:

  • The container must not be placed forward of your home’s front wall
  • It should be under 2.5 m (approximately 8.2 ft) high if near a boundary (or up to 4 m, around 13.1 ft, if further away with a pitched roof)
  • It must not cover more than 50% of the total garden area
  • The site must not be in designated land (conservation areas, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs), listed buildings, etc.)

If these conditions are met, a container placed in your back garden and used for normal domestic storage will typically fall under permitted development.

However, permission may be required if:

  • The container is visible from the street or impacts neighbours
  • Your property is in a sensitive area (e.g. conservation zone)
  • You use it for business, as a home office, gym, or living space
  • The structure becomes a permanent or prominent feature

For peace of mind, homeowners can apply for a Lawful Development Certificate from the council.

Business, School, and Construction Site Use

Shipping containers used in commercial or institutional settings follow similar principles, but scrutiny is often higher:

Temporary Use (28-Day Rule)

You can place a container on land for up to 28 days in a calendar year without needing planning permission. This includes short-term use on shop premises, schools, or events. The rule is cumulative and does not reset monthly.

Construction Sites

During building works, containers for storage or site offices can be placed without permission under permitted development rights. Once the works finish, the container should be removed.

Schools and Educational Facilities

Schools follow broadly similar planning rules as businesses and construction sites. If a container is used long term on school grounds — for storage, classrooms, or welfare space — it will typically require planning permission. Short-term uses may fall under the 28-day rule, but it’s always best to check with your local authority.

Commercial and Public Sites

Containers that are:

  • Ancillary to the site's existing use
  • Not visible from public roads or impacting amenities may be allowed without formal consent. But if they are prominent, stacked, or used for customer-facing purposes (e.g. cafes, shops), planning permission is typically needed.

In sensitive areas or where multiple containers are used to create larger structures, full planning approval will likely be required.

Permitted Development Rights and Exceptions Summary

  • Domestic PD (Class E): This allows homeowners to place outbuildings such as sheds, greenhouses, and containers in their gardens without needing planning permission, provided they meet certain size and location conditions. These include not being forward of the main house, not exceeding height limits (e.g. 2.5 m near boundaries), and not covering more than 50% of the garden.
  • 28-Day Rule: Under permitted development rights, land can be used for temporary purposes (such as placing a container) for up to 28 days in a calendar year without planning permission. This rule is often used for short-term events, temporary storage, or seasonal needs.
  • Construction Sites: Permitted development allows temporary buildings, such as shipping containers used for storage or site offices, to be placed on land during the course of construction or renovation works. These structures must be removed once the building work concludes.
  • Article 4 Directions: Local councils can issue an Article 4 Direction to restrict or remove permitted development rights in specific areas. This means you would need to apply for planning permission even for developments that would normally be allowed without it, such as placing a container in a conservation area.
  • Designated Land (areas given special status due to their environmental, historical, or aesthetic importance, such as conservation areas, national parks, or World Heritage Sites): Tighter rules apply in conservation areas, national parks, etc.

When in Doubt, Contact Your Local Planning Authority

If you're unsure whether planning permission is required for your container, it's always best to check with your Local Planning Authority (LPA). Councils can offer guidance specific to your property and location, and help you avoid potential issues. You can find your local authority in England and Wales using the Planning Portal's search tool.

Planning Permission FAQs

Do I need planning permission to add electrics to a container? Not necessarily. If it’s just for basic lighting or sockets in a storage container, you’re probably fine. But if you’re turning it into an office or workspace, that’s a change of use — and yes, planning permission may be needed. Read our full guide here.

Do I need planning permission if I paint or clad the container to make it look better?

Making it look nicer doesn’t change how the council sees it. If the container itself needs permission, painting or cladding it won’t get you around that.

Does temporary use during home renovations still require permission?

Usually not — containers used for a few weeks while you’re building are covered by the 28-day rule. Just don’t leave it there long-term.

Can I live in a container on my land without planning permission? Living in a container counts as creating a dwelling — so yes, you’ll almost always need full planning permission.

Can I stack containers without permission? Stacking adds height, bulk, and visibility. It makes it more likely you’ll need planning approval.

What if my neighbour complains about the container? A neighbour complaint can trigger a council investigation. Even if you initially didn’t need permission, the local authority could reassess the situation and potentially require you to apply or remove the container.

What Happens If You Ignore the Rules?

It’s probably best not too! Councils can issue enforcement notices, requiring removal of unauthorised containers or forcing retrospective planning applications. Ignoring enforcement may lead to fines or forced removal at your expense. It's always better to ask up front than to deal with the fallout later. Always check first with your Local Planning Authority (LPA).

Need Advice on Shipping Container Hire or Sales?

Whether you're planning a short-term project or looking for a more permanent solution, Willbox can help. As one of the UK's leading suppliers of shipping containers for hire and sale, we offer expert advice, reliable delivery, and a wide range of container sizes and types. With 23 depots strategically located across the UK, we ensure prompt and efficient service wherever you are.

Contact Willbox today to discuss your needs or get a quick quote.

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