Do You Need Planning Permission To Install A Modular Building?

Portable cabins or modular buildings are an ideal solution for situations where extra indoor space is required within a short period of time. They can be installed and ready to use within a matter of days, saving time and money and minimising disruption when compared with traditional building methods.

However, it is important to plan ahead because on the majority of occasions you will need prior planning permission to install a modular or portable building. Here are the most important points to consider.

Most types of modular building that will be used for residential or commercial purposes will require planning permission. There are a few exceptions, including for a portable cabin with a surface area of less than 100 m2 that will be used for 28 days or fewer, or another specified timeframe.

Portable buildings that will be installed on farmland specifically for agricultural use may not require planning permission if they are below a certain size, usually 100 m2. In addition, the building must be used for its stated purpose only, and not be used in a residential or commercial capacity.

In some cases, planning permission might not be required if the portable building is to be an extension to an existing building, but it must meet certain criteria in terms of its size and purpose. In all cases, it’s best to check with the local authority if you need planning permission to avoid any legal issues further on.

Bear in mind that it can take up to 12 weeks for a planning application to be processed, and if you need to make amendments this will delay the process further. The planning authority will take into account the building’s impact on the local surroundings, as well as the design and layout of the building.

If you are looking for a modular office cabin, please get in touch with us today.