Planning Permission
Planning permission for shipping containers in Halifax. Understand Calderdale Council rules for placement, usage, and when permission is needed.
Shipping Container Planning Permission in Halifax
Thinking about using a shipping container for storage or business in Halifax? It's important to know the local rules. Halifax is part of Calderdale Council, and they have specific rules about when you need permission. This guide gives you the key information before you put a container on your property.
When You Need Planning Permission in Halifax
You'll likely need planning permission in Halifax if your shipping container:
- Is used for business, shops, or homes.
- Stays in place for more than 28 days.
- Can be seen from a public road or is in a front garden.
- Is near a historic building or in a protected area.
- Has electricity, water, or drainage connected.
You might not need permission if your container is hidden in a back garden or used for temporary storage on a building site. But, it's always best to check with Calderdale Council to be sure you're following the rules.
Contact Calderdale Council
To get advice, confirm information, or apply for permission, contact Calderdale Council's planning team:
- Phone: 01422 288001 (Check for the direct planning line)
- Email:
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. - Website: calderdale.gov.uk
The planning team can look at your plans and tell you what to do next. Getting advice before you apply is a good idea, especially for business or long-term uses.
Planning Tips for Shipping Containers in Halifax
1. Home Use
Containers in front gardens or visible spots usually need permission. But, if you use a container in your back garden for personal storage and it's not connected to utilities, you might not need approval.
2. Business Use
If you use a container as a business, like a workshop, cafe, or office, you need planning permission. The council will check traffic, access, and how it affects the area.
3. Historic Areas
If your property is near a historic building or in a protected area, you'll need permission no matter how you use the container or how long it stays there.
4. Utilities and Structure
Connecting a container to power or water, or putting it on a permanent base, makes it a permanent structure. You'll almost always need planning permission for this.
How to Apply for Planning Permission in Halifax
You can apply for planning permission through the Planning Portal or on Calderdale Council's website. Your application should include:
- Location and site maps
- Photos or drawings of the container
- Explanation of what you'll use it for and how long it will be there
- Details about access, nearby buildings, and utilities (if needed)
Most applications take about 8 weeks to review. Consider getting advice before you apply to make the process easier, especially for business or long-term uses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put a container in my garden without permission?
Maybe, if it can't be seen from the street, is used for personal storage, and is there for less than 28 days. For longer or visible containers, you usually need permission.
What if I want to use the container for a business?
You always need planning permission for business uses in Halifax. The council will check the location, customer access, and local rules.
Do containers on building sites need permission?
Often, no, if the container is removed when building is done. But, long-term containers with utilities might still need approval.
How can I avoid planning problems?
Talk to the council early, especially for long-term or visible containers. Give them detailed plans and get advice beforehand to fix any issues.
Need a Shipping Container in Halifax?
At Shipping Containers of Leeds, we sell quality new and used containers in Halifax and West Yorkshire. Whether you need storage or a custom container, we can help.
New and used quality shipping containers
We have new and used shipping containers at our Leeds depot, giving you choices. We want to help people in Yorkshire get the containers they need at the best price with fast delivery.
Use our quote form or contact our container team on 0330 0130 636
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