22nd January 2024

Do Portable Buildings Need Planning Permission?

Here’s What You Need to Know

Portable buildings are an established, flexible solution for space needs. Used extensively in business and the public sector, they come in various forms, from offices and toilet blocks to storage units and classrooms. Their portable nature makes them ideal for temporary applications. However, a portable building can have a 20-year-plus useful lifespan, making it a viable long-term investment. Whether you plan to use your portable building for five days or five years, you must understand the planning permission process.

The Eldapoint Group specialises in manufacturing modular buildings, container conversions and prefabricated units. We’ll be your guide throughout the process, including the design, build and assembly. But one of the first steps is understanding the planning permission.

Do You Need Planning Permission for Your Portable Building?

The answer is generally yes, but there are exceptions. Planning permission is required if:

  • The intended duration of the building’s installation exceeds 28 consecutive days
  • The total surface area of the building surpasses 100 square meters.

These criteria apply regardless of the purpose of the portable building, whether it’s for short-term use, such as on a construction site, or for longer-term applications like additional office space or classrooms.

What are the exceptions?

If the portable building is considered an extension of an existing structure, planning permission may not be required if:

  • The volume of the portable building is less than 25% of the original structure.
  • The height of the portable building is lower than the original building.
  • The portable building directly complements the purpose of the original structure.

There are also some special exceptions for agricultural land. Farm buildings below a specific size (usually 100 square meters) used solely for agricultural purposes may not require permission.

Next steps

Whilst this guidance is a good starting point, always checking with your local authority is the best advice. Ignoring planning permission can lead to legal issues further down the line.

Planning applications can take up to 12 weeks to process. Applying early is crucial. While retrospective applications (applying after installation) are possible for genuine emergencies, they risk rejection and enforcement notices demanding removal.

Required Documentation for Planning Permission:

  • Application forms: Fill out and submit these forms to provide details about your proposed development.
  • Detailed site plan: Include a map showing the project’s location relative to its surroundings to help assess its impact.
  • Ownership and agricultural holdings certificates, if applicable.
  • Design and access statements: Explain the design’s rationale and the accessibility features to ensure it complies with local planning policies.
  • Application fee: Pay the required fee, which varies depending on the project size and type, to process your application.

Plan for perfection with the Eldapoint Group

Obtaining planning permission is a critical requirement for most portable building projects, such as setting up temporary classrooms, sleeping units, or office spaces. It’s essential to verify whether planning permission is needed before commencing construction to ensure compliance and avoid potential legal issues. With over five decades of experience in project management, construction, and delivery of prefabricated buildings, the Eldapoint Group is well-equipped to guide you through this process. Our in-house planning team offers friendly, practical advice to streamline your project's planning and execution. If you have any questions about your portable building project or need assistance with planning permissions, please do not hesitate to contact us today.

More information on all planning permission and building regulations can be found on the government legislation website.

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