Can you put a shipping container on your private land?

Ever wondered if you could just plop down a shipping container onto your private land? Maybe you’re after some extra storage space for all your bits and bobs, or you’re dreaming up a cute little garden studio? Well, shipping containers are affordable and versatile, and honestly, they’re pretty cool too. Also, it really helps that it’s prebuilt, so you don’t have to spend a fortune having to pay builders to set it up for you.

But before you go and buy one of these there is a pretty big question that needs to be tackled; is it even legal to have one of these on your property? Well, let’s go ahead and break it down so you’ll be fully in the know!

Can I Put a Shipping Container on My Property?

Well, there is some good news about this. So, shipping containers are usually seen as a temporary structure, which means in most cases, you can pop one on your land without needing planning permissions. This is especially true for businesses using them for short-term purposes.

Now, with that said, if you’re thinking about keeping the container long-term, things can be trickier. At that point, it’s less about "temporary" and more about "development," which often requires planning permission. But what if you’re just not sure where your situation lands? Well, in that case, it’s going to be a good idea to look into chatting with your local planning authority, they’ll give you the info on what’s allowed and what’s not. 

While sure, this blog post is giving you some ideas of what is and what’s not allowed, it can always vary from location to location. So it really can’t be stressed enough that you should use this post as nothing more than a guide, but actually consult with your local planning authority (since they know your local laws). 

As always, it’s smart to double-check with your council to avoid any hiccups.

When you don't need planning permission

Of course, when it comes to shipping container projects, many don’t require planning permission. Changes to rules in the last decade mean that people have more freedom over what they put on their properties. However, you need to know which types of projects qualify and which don’t, including those that need permission, even when in private land. 

The main rule is that you don’t need planning permission if the shipping container is for personal use. Rules tend to be much stricter for anything commercially-related, as we discuss below. 

For example, if you put a shipping container on your property, you can use it as a garden shed for domestic use, as long as you aren’t in a protected area with specific prohibitions. Just make sure the structure is below the statutory height restrictions (which it should be if it is a standard shipping container). Also check its placement is more than 2 metres from any boundary and doesn’t take up more than half of the area of the land surrounding your original property.

Moving onto business uses, it’s actually a myth that you always require planning permission for these. You don’t. For example, you can use a shipping container as a temporary construction for alfresco bars, art exhibitions or showrooms without needing the permission of the authorities. That’s because these structures don’t count as “permanent” or “long-term,” so they fall outside conventional planning permission rules, as long as they remain for less than 28 days. 

Conversely, you will need planning permission, if you want to do anything permanent and commercial with it (e.g. keep it up for longer than 28 days). For example, if you want to rent out commercial storage containers to the public, planning permission is essential. 

Also, anything that changes the land use requires permission. So, if you want to start using shipping containers for agricultural supplies, then you’ll need to run it past the planner (unlike with conventional “pop up” stores or outlets).

Finally, using a container for a workshop, studio, personal storage, social area for friends and family, or gym is okay without planning permission. But, as before, check that it follows height restriction requirements in the UK (as mentioned above). 

Putting a shipping container on private land

Physically placing your shipping container on private land is a critical part of the process. Dumping them on the ground without the proper technique is not advised. 

TEU keeps your land safe by using a HIAB lorry for 10ft and 20ft shipping containers. The 50-tonne crane is more than capable of off-loading containers safely, and depositing them gently on the ground. Plus, all our drivers are familiar with health and safety rules as an extra layer of protection.

An important point, though, is this: always ensure you measure the land allotted for your shipping container properly. If that doesn’t work for you, we can prepare it for you, ensuring your container fits exactly where you want it to go.  Whether you’re a homeowner looking for extra storage or a business owner just wanting a temporary solution, shipping containers are flexible and an affordable option. So, whenever you have any doubts, just contact your local planning authority to ensure your project complies with the law. And just remember, a bit of research and preparation upfront can save you a lot of headaches later on!