Planning Permission
Shipping container planning permission in Darlington. Understand local rules for placement, commercial use, & more. Contact Darlington Council for guidance.
Shipping Container Planning Permission in Darlington
Shipping containers are great for storage, shops, or temporary offices. If you want to put a container in Darlington, you need to know the rules. Darlington Borough Council has rules about when you need permission. This article tells you what you need to know before you put a container on your property.
When You Need Planning Permission in Darlington
You might need planning permission in Darlington if your shipping container:
- Is used for business or as a home.
- Stays in place for more than 28 days.
- Can be seen from a public road or is in a front garden.
- Is near a listed building or in a conservation area.
- Has electricity, water, or drainage connected.
You might not need permission if your container is in a back garden or on a building site for short-term storage. But, it’s best to check with Darlington Borough Council first to be sure you follow all the rules.
Contact Darlington Borough Council
To get advice or apply for planning permission, contact the planning team at Darlington Borough Council:
- Phone: 01325 405777 (Check this is the right number for planning)
- Email:
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. - Website: darlington.gov.uk
The planning team can look at your plans and tell you what to do. It’s a good idea to get advice before you apply, especially for businesses or long-term uses.
Planning Rules for Shipping Containers in Darlington
1. Homes
Containers in front gardens or where people can see them usually need permission. But, if you use a container in your back garden for storage and it doesn’t have services connected, you might not need permission.
2. Businesses
If you use a container for business, like a shop or office, you need planning permission. The council will look at traffic, access, and how it affects the area.
3. Historic Areas
If your property is near a listed building or in a conservation area, you will need permission no matter how you use the container or how long it stays there.
4. Utilities and Structure
If you connect a container to electricity or water, or put it on a permanent base, it becomes a permanent building. You always need planning permission for this.
How to Apply for Planning Permission in Darlington
You can apply for planning permission on the Planning Portal or on Darlington Borough Council’s website. Your application should include:
- Maps showing the location of the site.
- Photos or drawings of the container.
- What you want to use the container for and how long it will be there.
- Details about access, nearby buildings, and services (if needed).
Most applications take about 8 weeks to review. It’s a good idea to get advice before you apply, especially for businesses or long-term uses. This can make the process easier.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put a container in my garden without planning permission?
Maybe, if people can’t see it from the street, you use it for storage, and it’s only there for less than 28 days. If it’s there longer or people can see it, you usually need permission.
What if I want to use the container for a business?
You always need planning permission for business uses in Darlington. The council will look at the location, customer access, and land use rules.
Do temporary containers on construction sites need permission?
Usually not, if the container is removed when the building work is done. But, if the container stays there a long time or has services connected, you might need permission.
How can I avoid planning problems with my container?
Talk to the council early, especially if it’s a long-term or visible container. Give them detailed plans and get advice before you apply to find and fix any problems.
In short
In Darlington, you often need planning permission for shipping containers, especially for businesses, long-term use, or if they are in conservation areas. Darlington Borough Council can help you with the planning process. Always check before you put up your container to avoid problems.
