A Guide to Temporary Building Planning Permission
“Do we need planning permission for temporary buildings?”
Naturally, this is one of the first questions our clients ask when enquiring with us! In many cases, temporary buildings such as temporary warehouses or loading bay canopies will need planning permission, especially if they’re in place for more than 28 days, change how the land is used, or have a noticeable impact on the surrounding area.
That said, smaller or short-term structures can sometimes fall under permitted development rights or the 28-day rule, meaning you might not need to apply. Because every site and local authority is different, it’s always best to review your plans early to stay compliant and avoid any issues down the line. And if you’re unsure, Spaciotempo are here to help guide you through the process, making everything as straightforward as possible.
Our latest guide offers a comprehensive overview of the planning process for your temporary structure. From start to finish, Spaciotempo has you covered. In this blog, we will discuss the application process and how we can help you. If you are interested in the steps involved in applying for planning permission, take a look at our accompanying blog here.
Why does our business need planning permission for a temporary structure?
Planning permission is the legal process of seeking approval for new building works. It’s sometimes referred to as a permitted development and is generally required when you install a new temporary building or make changes to an existing one. It is required to ensure that all buildings remain compliant and protects the surrounding heritage within conservation areas or areas of outstanding natural beauty.
Whether your building is temporary or permanent, it’s the developer’s responsibility to seek planning approval, so make sure you plan ahead.
When do we need to seek planning permission?
Whilst not an exhaustive list, generally your business would need to submit a planning application to the local authority, if;
• The structure will be in use beyond 28 days
• The structure's floor space is more than 100m2
• The structure will occupy more than 25% of the entire site area
• The structure is closer than 5m away from the site boundary
• The structure is taller than your current build
• The structure will materially alter the exterior of the existing building
• There is a restriction on vehicle parking and manoeuvring
• The existing original build has had any extensions or alterations
Temporary Building. Lasting Solutions. Brochure
Get your copy of our new brochure that places a firm focus on your industry. Be it lack of storage or warehouse space, production or maintenance facilities, or cover for your loading and unloading operations, our structures meet every requirement.
Spaciotempo structures can remain in place for over 25 years! This means in most cases they will require planning. Our temporary buildings offer a much more permanent solution than a marquee or industrial tent due to their durability and longevity, so if you’re looking for a long-term solution, they are a great option.
Other instances where a temporary building may require planning include when you intend to change what your building is used for. The Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) Order 1987 categorises uses of land and buildings into classes. Most commonly, our customers fall within Class B for general industrial or storage & distribution usage. If the use class of your building changes during your ownership, you may need to go through the planning permission process again. Read more about use classes and planning here.
When would my temporary building be exempt from planning permission?
Not all temporary buildings automatically require planning permission. Here are a few reasons your structure may be exempt:
- Your building has a total footprint of less than 100m2
- Your building won’t be in place for more than 28 days in a single calendar year
- Your building is on a construction site or is adjacent to a construction site (e.g. site office or storage container)
Unsure whether your building requires planning permission? It is always best to check with your Local Planning Authority or seek independent expert advice. At Spaciotempo, we work with our trusted partner Mosaic Town Planning, who can take care of the whole process on your behalf.
Can we get retrospective planning permission?
Your business may have a legitimate need to proceed with temporary building construction without prior approval from the LPA. Reasons range from business continuity after a crisis, such as a fire or a flood that has put existing facilities out of action, or time-critical projects to urgently provide humanitarian or medical aid during conflicts or pandemics. This arrangement should be agreed upon up front and in writing by the client and supplier. You must be able to provide legitimate proof to the LPA that there was a genuine need to proceed with an emergency temporary building to avoid penalties. Otherwise, they should treat it in exactly the same way as a regular application.
Your top planning questions answered
Planning permission is something we’re asked about all the time at Spaciotempo. Josh, our Area Sales Manager, works closely with customers across all industries and understands exactly what’s involved. Here, he shares his answers to the questions he hears most often.
1. Do I need planning permission for a temporary building?
“It’s a really common question. In most cases, you probably will need it. That said, it’s not a blanket rule, so it really depends on the specifics of your project. It’s always best to discuss your plans early on so we can guide you properly.”
2. How long does it take to get planning permission for a temporary building?
“Generally, you’re looking at somewhere between 8 and 12 weeks. It tends to vary depending on the council and how straightforward the application is. Some of our more complex builds might take closer to 12 weeks.”
3. How much does it cost to apply for planning permission for a temporary building?
“This one depends on a few things, mainly the size of the building and the council you’re applying through, as their fees can vary.”
4. Can Spaciotempo help with the planning process?
“Definitely, it’s something we can support you with as much or as little as you need. We work closely with our planning partner, Mosaic Town Planning, to support you from start to finish. We know planning can feel like a bit of a headache, especially when you’ve got everything else to organise, so we try to make it as simple as possible.”
If you’d like to speak with Josh about your next project, you can get in touch here.
Important!
All the above information only applies to the rules and regulations of planning permission in England & Wales. If you’d like to learn more about planning permission in Scotland, the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, we have another helpful article for that.
Whilst there are similarities, there are also differences, and if you’re planning to build temporary buildings in Ireland or semi-permanent structures in Scotland, you may want to check it out.
What are the next steps?
Navigating planning regulations can be daunting, but it doesn't have to be. At Spaciotempo, we’re here to support you from enquiry through to completion of your build. If you’re ready to move forward with your application, you can read our accompanying article that explains each step of the planning process.
Alternatively, you can get in touch with our team, who can take care of the application for you! If you’d like to discuss your next build or just get some advice around planning permission for temporary buildings, you can speak to us here.
