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Planning & regulations
Planning & regulations, made simpler.
The main rules that can apply to container buildings, explained in plain English.
The essentials
Four things to check.
Planning permission
Whether you’re allowed to place the building there for that use. Decided by your local planning authority.
Building Regulations
Standards for safety, insulation and accessibility — usually needed for habitable and commercial buildings.
Business licences
Food, alcohol and some other uses need registration or a licence from your council.
Site & access
Delivery access, a suitable base and utility connections need planning too.
Questions
Good to know
What’s the difference between planning and Building Regulations?
Planning permission is about whether a building is acceptable in that place for that use. Building Regulations cover how it’s built — safety, insulation, ventilation and so on. You may need one, both or neither.
Do commercial containers need planning?
Usually, yes — especially for permanent or customer-facing uses. Temporary event units may be treated differently. Your local planning authority can confirm.
Can you help with my application?
We can provide drawings and specifications of your container to support your application, and talk you through what’s likely to be needed.
Is this legal advice?
No — this is general guidance. Always confirm with your local planning authority, building control or a planning professional.
Start your project
Got a question about your site?
Design your container in 3D, or talk to our team about your project. Honest advice from the people who actually build them.