A Guide to Temporary Buildings Planning Permission

You will be required to apply for planning permission for temporary structures as per the regulations in your country. In the UK, one has to seek temporary building planning permission if the structure has a space larger than 100 square meters or if will be used for a month or more. This applies to all structures with exception of some extensions to existing structures. 

But as a client, you may not need to worry about this, especially if you are using reputable and reliable temporary structure experts. However, experts recommend that you know what is required of you at all times to help you make informed decisions.

That said, let us highlight an important point on temporary buildings planning permission.

When Do You Need Temporary Buildings Planning Permission?

You will need temporary building planning permission for all structures that are more than 100 square meters or if they will be used for more than a month (to be precise, more than 28 days in the UK). But there are other occasions when you will be required to make an application. They include how close your structures are to the boundary, the percentage of their size in relation to your land, and how it affects your parking. 

Temporary structures that require permissions are most likely the following:

  •     Temporary industrial tents – These are often large structures with PVC roofs and fabric walls held together by strong metal frames. According to experts, they are designed to serve emergencies of up to three months, but they can last for years if they are needed. These tents will most likely be more than 100 square meters and the service provider will have to seek temporary building planning permission to erect them on your premises. 
  •     Clearspan structures – These are similar to temporary industrial tents in many ways. But they could be larger and erected to serve for many years. There is no doubt that you will need to make planning permission for these ones. 
  •     Temporary steel structures – These are semi-permanent structures that will last for many years, but can also be relocated if there is a need. They are large, so they will also require temporary buildings planning permission. If this is what you want, make sure that your service provider has made the application. 

Who Will Help You?

If you are planning to install structures that will need temporary building planning permission, your service provider will help you make the application. When looking for a professional who will help you with such services, check out here.

Unfortunately, not all companies are open to offering such services. So, confirm on their website to know if they will help you go through this or not. You can also check with previous customers just to be sure you are dealing with experts with a favorable package. 

When are Temporary Buildings Planning Permission Not Needed?

Now that you have seen when temporary buildings planning permission is, it is time to find out when it is not needed. This helps you know projects you can engage in without the worry of dealing with local authorities.

Small and shorter structures – Do you intend to install a temporary structure that is shorter than the main building it is attached to? You will not need to apply for planning permission in the UK. If you are in any other country, please check with your local authority or building and construction bodies. 

Emphasis is on size. So, if it is smaller than 25% of the larger building, you will also not need to make applications. Just go ahead and order the structure from a reliable supplier. You could rent or buy depending on your budget and how long you intend to use it. 

Final Word

The need to apply for temporary building planning permission varies from one place to another. Each state has its own guidelines. If you are not from the UK, you should check carefully to avoid making costly mistakes. All the best.