Shipping Containers in Pontefract: Your Guide to Planning Permission
Shipping containers are a great solution for storage, pop-up shops, and site offices. If you're thinking about using a container in Pontefract, it's important to know the local planning rules. Pontefract is part of Wakefield Metropolitan District Council, which has rules about when you need permission. This article tells you what to think about before you put a container on your property or business site.
Do You Need Planning Permission in Pontefract?
You might need planning permission in Pontefract if your shipping container:
- Is going to be used for business, shops, or living.
- Will be there 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 to it.
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 always a good idea to check with Wakefield Metropolitan District Council before you put it there, to make sure you're following the rules.
Contact Wakefield Metropolitan District Council
If you need advice, want to check if you need permission, or want to apply for planning permission, contact the planning team at Wakefield Metropolitan District Council:
- Phone: 0345 8 506 506 (Check if there's a direct line for planning)
- Website: wakefield.gov.uk
The planning team can look at what you want to do and where you want to put the container. They can also tell you what you need to do next. It's a good idea to get advice before you apply, especially if you want to use the container for business or for a long time.
Things to Think About for Shipping Containers in Pontefract
1. Putting Containers in Residential Areas
If you put a container in a front garden or where people can easily see it, you usually need permission. But, if you use it for a short time in a back garden for your own storage and it doesn't have any services connected, you might not need permission.
2. Using Containers for Business
If you use a container for any kind of business, like a workshop, café, or office, you need planning permission. The council will look at things like traffic, how easy it is to get to, and how it affects the area.
3. Protected Areas and Historic Sites
If your property is near a historic building or in a protected area, you will probably need permission, no matter how you use the container or how long it's there.
4. Changes to the Container and Utilities
If you connect a container to electricity or water, or put it on a permanent base, it becomes a permanent building. In these cases, you always need planning permission.
How to Apply for Planning Permission in Pontefract
You can apply for planning permission through the Planning Portal or on Wakefield Metropolitan District Council’s website. Your application should include:
- A map showing where the site is
- Photos or drawings of the container
- An explanation of what you want to use it for and how long it will be there
- Details about access, nearby buildings, and services (if you're connecting any)
Most applications take about 8 weeks to be reviewed. It's a good idea to get advice before you apply, especially if you want to use the container for business or for a long time. This can make the process easier.
FAQs About Shipping Containers in Pontefract
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 your own storage, and it's only there for less than 28 days. If it's going to be there longer or people can see it, you usually need permission from the council.
What if I want to use the container for a business?
You always need planning permission for business uses in Pontefract. The council will look at where it is, how customers will get there, and local rules about land use.
Do temporary containers on construction sites need permission?
Usually not, if the container is taken away when the building work is finished. But, if it's going to be there for a long time or has services connected, you might still need planning permission.
How can I avoid planning issues with my container?
Talk to the council early, especially if you want to put it there for a long time or where people can see it. Give them detailed plans and think about getting advice before you apply, so you can spot and fix any problems.
Need a Shipping Container in Pontefract?
At Shipping Containers of Leeds, we sell good quality new and used containers all over Pontefract and West Yorkshire. Whether you need safe storage on your site or a container that's been changed for a special use, we can help.
New and used quality shipping containers
We have new and used shipping containers at our Leeds depot, so you have a lot of choices. We want to help people in West Yorkshire and nearby areas 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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