Do Temporary Buildings Need Planning Permission?

When you are thinking about setting up a temporary or semi-permanent structure to expand your business, you will have to carefully consider whether you need to apply for planning permission. It’s a common belief that temporary buildings don’t require planning permission because of their short-term nature;  however, this is not true. Smart-Space, the leading temporary building supplier in the UK, can take charge of your planning application if you need temporary facilities to improve your operations.

There are a few exceptions where you may not need planning permission to install your temporary building. That said, if you choose a professional temporary building vendor such as Smart-Space, you will reduce the stress involved before you can erect the best interim structure for your business without breaking building codes.

For those who intend to set up temporary structures for short-term use (not exceeding 28 days, with a floor size under 200 square meters), you may be exempt from planning permission requirements. Whatever the situation, it is always a good idea to do proper checks and choose experienced temporary building suppliers.

Another condition that may allow you to skip temporary building planning requirements is when your structure is going to be attached to an existing property as an extension – this should be shorter than the existing building, and it should serve a similar purpose.

The volume of the extension should be about 25% of the current building. This is applicable only when you intend to use the facility for longer periods. Nevertheless, your temporary building must meet all the above conditions before it can be exempted from planning permission requirements.

On what conditions will you need to apply for temporary building permission?

You may have to get the necessary planning permission from building authorities based on the following circumstances: 

•       You will be using your structure for longer than 4 weeks (28 days)
•       The floor space of your temporary structure is greater than 200 sqm.
•       The volume of your extension is over 25% of the original property
•       The building takes up over 25% of the available area on the site
•       Your temporary structure is closer than 5 m to your site boundaries
•       Your structure drastically reduces the amount of space you have for parking after it has been assembled.
•       Your building has an impact on the external appearance of the existing facility

How Smart-Space can assist you with temporary building planning permission

Do you need a temporary building from Smart-Space? Find out from this source. Smart-Space UK offers you comprehensive temporary building solutions that are designed to suit your needs whilst complying with government building regulations for wind (BS6399 part 2 1997) and snow (BS6399 part 3 1988), as well as loading. Experienced temporary building teams can perform structural calculations based on the latest Euro-code requirements.

The icing on the cake is that Smart-Space temporary structures are designed to use environmentally healthy and recyclable materials. As per the requirements set by planning authorities and your needs, Smart-Space can supply you with wall cladding or roofing options that will blend well with your neighbourhood.  

When should you make your application?

For the most part, Smart Space recommends you start your planning application before you complete the purchase or installation of the temporary building. Try to submit your application as soon as possible — this will minimize last-minute hitches with local authorities.

Under normal circumstances, your planning application can last between 8 to 12 weeks. Any delay can cause you a headache, especially when you have an urgent need for the unit.

In an effort to avoid these delays, some businesses opt to move ahead without securing the planning permission. It’s possible to get retrospective planning permission provided you can prove that you have an emergency need for the building.