Shipping Container Planning Permission in York
Shipping containers are great for storage, pop-up shops, or site offices. If you're thinking about putting one in York, it's important to know the local rules. York is managed by the City of York Council, and they have rules about when you need permission. This article tells you what to check before you put a container on your property or business site.
When Do You Need Planning Permission in York?
You'll likely need planning permission in York if your shipping container:
- Is used for business, retail, or living.
- Stays in place for more than 28 days.
- Can be seen from a public road or is in a front garden.
- Is near a protected building or in a special area.
- Has electricity, water, or drainage connected.
You might not need permission if your container is hidden in a back garden or is used for temporary storage on a building site. But, it's always a good idea to check with the City of York Council first to be sure you're following the rules.
Get in Touch with City of York Council
To ask questions, get confirmation, or apply for permission, contact the planning team at City of York Council:
- Phone: 01904 551550 (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: york.gov.uk
The planning team can look at your plans and tell you what to do next. It's a good idea to get their advice before you apply, especially for business or long-term uses.
Things to Think About for Shipping Container Planning in York
1. Putting Containers in Residential Areas
Containers in front gardens or places where people can see them usually need permission. But, if you're using a container in your back garden for personal storage and it's not connected to utilities, you might not need permission.
2. Using Containers for Business
If you're using a container as a business, like a shop, café, or office, you always need planning permission. The council will think about traffic, access, and how it affects the area.
3. Protected Areas and Historic Sites
If your property is near a listed building or in a conservation area, you'll need permission no matter how you use the container or how long it's there.
4. Changes to the Container and Utilities
Connecting a container to electricity or water, or putting it on a permanent base, makes it a permanent building. You always need planning permission for these things.
How to Apply for Planning Permission in York
You can apply for planning permission through the Planning Portal or on the City of York Council's website. Your application should include:
- A map of the site and surrounding area
- Photos or drawings of the container
- An explanation of what you'll use it for and how long it will be there
- Details about access, nearby buildings, and utilities (if relevant)
Most applications take about 8 weeks to review. It's a good idea to use the pre-application advice service to make the process easier, especially for business or long-term projects.
Frequently Asked Questions About Shipping Containers in York
Can I put a container in my garden without permission?
Maybe, if it's not visible from the street, you're using it for personal storage, and it's only there for less than 28 days. Containers that are there longer or can be seen 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 York. The council will look at the location, how customers will access it, and local land use rules.
Do temporary containers on building sites need permission?
Usually not, if the container is removed when the building work is done. But, containers that stay for a long time or have utilities connected might still need planning approval.
How can I avoid planning problems with my container?
Talk to the council early, especially for long-term or visible containers. Give them detailed plans and think about using the pre-application advice service to find and fix any problems early.
In Short
In York, you need planning permission for many shipping container uses, especially if you're using them for business, keeping them there for a long time, or putting them in protected areas. The City of York Council can give you advice and help you with the planning process. Always check before you start to avoid problems or fines.
Need a Shipping Container in York?
At Shipping Containers of Leeds, we sell high-quality new and used containers all over York and North Yorkshire. Whether you need secure storage or a custom container conversion, we can help.
New and used quality shipping containers
We have new and used shipping containers at our Leeds depot, so you have choices. We want to help people in Yorkshire and nearby get the containers they need at the best price with fast delivery.
Use our quote form or contact our container team on 0330 013 0636
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