Do I need planning permission for a modular building?

Modular building companies on the UK RM6184 framework like us have staff who can help you manage planning requirements and obtaining planning permission.

According to one survey in recent years, 34% of applicants found the process tough to start and frustrating at times so let us help you through the journey.

Based on the FAQs from the Crown Commercial Service, let’s get down to ‘the brass tacks’ on UK planning regulations.

• If the building will be there less than 28 days and doesn’t come within 5m of the boundary of the site
• If the temporary modular building will be used while you construct or refurb another building. This covers things like:
  • Construction site office
  • Welfare units
  • Any ancillary buildings
• Factory or warehouse extensions normally won’t need planning permission – as long as the extension:
  • is less than 100m square of floor space
  • is less than 25% of the volume of the original building
  • is shorter than the original building
  • doesn’t come within 5m of the existing site boundary
  • is used for purposes directly related to the current use of the building

No matter the size of the building, if the structure of any kind is in place for longer than 28 days then it needs planning consent.

Before submitting any new applications, perhaps check any existing approvals to see if the permission would already cover your proposal.

It’s best that you treat each project individually and check every time to prevent any delays, and that any proposal changes during the build are double-checked too.

If you’re buying or organising the supply of a modular building, then the responsibility for getting the seal of approval lies with you. Should you need us to do the application for you, then this should be confirmed and established at the very start of the project.

Planning permission is granted by the local planning office; England and Wales, Northern Ireland or Scotland.  Depending on where the building will be will impact where to submit your application.

• Existing site plans explaining the proposed addition to the site, existing layout plans, and elevations. This should go together with new layouts and elevations to enable the planning authority to understand how the site works.
• What the external appearance of the new building will be – including height, size, and finish(es).
• What the proposed use of the new building will be
• Consider the infrastructure impacts on roads, traffic flow, parking, and utilities.
• What the current use of land is and how this will impact it
• Whether the installation have any impact on neighbours or the wider area

It can take anywhere between 8 to 12 weeks for an application to be received, assessed, reviewed and judged. However in our experience we know it can take longer than this over busier periods and workload demands vary between regions. Planning approval meetings only take place once every 4-6 weeks so we recommend that more than 12 weeks is worked into your timeline.

Due to the nature and speed of installation, modular buildings can be installed and retrospective planning permission obtained – similar to any installation. This is a costly risk and we all must agree because if it is NOT granted then the site will have to be returned to its original state.

Whether you’re currently building a modular construction with us or consider us in the future, we hope this helps you in your planning journey.

See our work here to inspire your journey.