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Does a 20ft container need planning permission?

Shipping containers are classified as temporary structures and so you do not normally need planning permission.

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Shipping containers are classified as temporary structures and so you do not normally need planning permission. However, it’s always a good idea to check with your local authority as we can’t guarantee that you won’t need planning permission for a shipping container. For example, there may be special conditions in areas of natural beauty or conservation areas that mean permission is required. Please note that one shipping container will be classified very differently to a depot full of containers or indeed a home or shop built from containers. If you are considering opening your own self-storage facility using shipping containers then we definitely advise you talk to your local planning office and follow their recommendations. If you own a farm or industrial unit and use a shipping container to safely store store items then, in the majority of cases, no permission should be required, but again please check with your local authority for for peace of mind if in any doubt. If you plan to convert any shipping container on your site into a structure that is no longer mobile or portable (for example cutting down two 20ft containers on one long side to make a single space, and then adding a pitched roof) then it its more than likely that you will require planning permission as this structure will will no longer be treated as a temporary or portable structure.

Blend a container into the surroundings

Where any of our customers have needed planning permission we’ve often been able to help with some simple yet effective solutions to help with their planning application such as making the container blend better into the surroundings. Having a container that’s painted in a neutral green colour can help it to blend in with the surroundings. We can supply a new container with a green exterior or a very cost-effective option is simply taking a used container and re-painting it. With refurbished containers any dents and scratches picked up over the life of the container will soften the overall finish. Another option that’s becoming more popular with our customers is to have a container supplied with wood cladding. This makes the container look really smart and blend in really well with the surroundings. If you’re using the container in a location where lots of visitors will see the unit, cladding is a fantastic option. Of course, there are many other options available such as erecting a fence around the container or planting evergreen shrubs like Laurel that will grow large enough to hide the container all year round. If you’ve disguised your container using hedges, fences or shrubs, how about sending us your pictures? We’ll send you a ‘thank you’ treat for taking the trouble and we’ll even and mention you on our social media feeds too!

Looking for a quality shipping container?

Premier Shipping Containers has a huge range of quality shipping containers in the UK and every shipping container we sell comes with our market leading 2-year wind & watertight guarantee when used for storage use. Along with our extensive range of containers, we also supply a range of shipping container accessories. If you have any questions about this article, our products or service please call our friendly team for free on any time 08:30-17:00 weekdays or send us a message via the contact form on this website and we will get back to you.

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Can a Neighbour attach anything to my fence?

The simple answer is: yes, as long as you receive their express permission. Without your neighbour's permission, hanging plants, painting, or leaning something against their fence that causes damage can land you in trouble.

Your property boundary and the laws surrounding this are not something you think about very often. But when it comes to replacing, repairing, or installing an entirely new fence, it pays to know exactly what you can and cannot do. So, to help you avoid costly mistakes, unwanted stress, and to stay on the right side of your neighbours, we explain all you need to know about your boundary rights in this article.

Do I need my neighbour’s permission to replace fencing?

Prior to starting any work, you will need to establish who is responsible for the fence in question. A common misconception is that every house is responsible for the boundary to its left. While this is true for many properties, it is not always the case, and you should check your property deeds for confirmation – which can be requested from Land Registry. If you find the fence is located on your neighbour’s property, the best thing to do is simply start a conversation. Ask if they are aware of the damage and what their plans are on replacing the fence. They may not even be aware of the problem, especially if the damage is worse on your side. An important note: Your neighbours are not legally obliged to replace a fence unless it is posing a safety issue. So, if you find yourself at a crossroads, a final option may be to erect a new fence on your own land. You can do this without their permission, as long as it is inside your boundary and on your private property.

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