Are you looking for some extra space to expand your business in the very near future without having to incur huge costs? If so, you need to consider temporary buildings because they can provide great space solutions at a fraction of the cost of permanent structures—in just a few days or weeks.
However, before you install one of these structures, you need to know the ins and outs of temporary building planning permission. This blog post explores this important topic to help you understand the planning permission and requirements and the regulations related to temporary structures.
Understanding temporary building planning permission
Before you can erect any structure on your land, you need to get formal approval from your local authority. Local planning authority official approval is often required for a new development on a piece of land, or when there is an intended change of use of buildings or land. This is referred to as planning permission. Temporary building planning permission involves seeking and gaining approval from the local authority to install temporary structures. This needs to be done before any work commences
The process of seeking temporary building planning permission entails submitting a formal application to the local authority. This application contains elaborate information about the proposed development, for example, drawings, plans, and the report on the environmental impact.
When is temporary building planning permission needed?
One question that seeks answers is whether it is necessary to obtain planning permission always when setting up temporary buildings. It is not always necessary to seek planning permission when installing temporary structures. Below are some of the circumstances when it is necessary to get temporary building planning permission:
- If you intend to use the temporary building continually for 28 days and/or the structure will exceed 100 m².
- If the structure occupies more than 25% of your site space, or if it is a warehouse or factory extension and its size is greater than 25% of the original building
- If the intended temporary structure significantly reduces the parking area or space available for maneuvering vehicles
- If the temporary building is closer to your site’s boundary than 5m.
Generally, you need to consult with temporary building experts such as Smart-Space if you want to install these structures. They will advise you about applicable planning permission requirements and hold your hand through the process, helping you get the best space solution for your needs.
When it is not required to obtain temporary building planning permission?
There are some circumstances when you don’t have to get planning permission for your on-permanent structure. Here are some of those incidents:
- If the building is going to be in use for less than 28 days or its floor space does not exceed 100 m².
- If the temporary structure is an extension to an existing building, you don’t have to seek planning permission even when it is to be in use for more than 28 days if it meets the following criteria:
- The temporary building’s use is directly related to the use of the original structure
- The temporary building’s height is lower than that of the original structure
- The temporary structure’s size is less than 25% of the original building by volume
When should you apply for temporary building planning permission?
The best thing (and what the experts recommend) is to apply for planning permission before buying or installing your temporary building. And given that the process can take a long time, running into 8-12 weeks, you should make an application as early as possible so you have enough time to plan and avoid issues with the local authorities.
However, if you need the structure urgently, and you cannot wait for your planning permission application to be approved, you can install the structure and seek retrospective planning permission, provided you can prove the structure was required urgently. On most occasions, the concerned local authorities will issue retrospective permission with no problem but if they do not grant the permission, they will require you to return the site to its original state. This means you have to remove your structure, and if you don’t comply, they will likely issue an enforcement notice.
Conclusion
You need to know about temporary building planning permission before you purchase and install your structure to avoid finding yourself on the wrong side of the law and avoidable problems. To have an easy time, you can consider consulting experts in temporary buildings.
A Step-by-Step Guide for Processing Planning Permission