Planning permission is one of the first questions that comes up when a business or organisation starts looking into temporary structures. The good news: in many cases you won’t need it at all. Here’s a clear breakdown of the rules.
The 28-day rule
If your temporary structure will be used for commercial or industrial purposes for 28 days or less continuously, you generally don’t need planning permission. This makes temporary structures ideal for short-term event use, seasonal storage, or bridging a gap during building works.
Permitted development rights
If your structure will be in place for longer than 28 days, you may still be exempt under permitted development (PD) rights — which allow certain types of building work to go ahead without a full planning application. For temporary structures on commercial or industrial land, PD rights typically apply if:
- The structure has a gross floor area of 200m² or less
- It sits away from your site boundary (generally 5–10 metres, depending on height)
- It isn’t in a designated area such as a conservation zone or Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
If your building meets these criteria, you may be able to proceed without a formal application — though it’s always worth checking with your local planning authority first.
When you will need planning permission
You’ll likely need to submit a full planning application if:
- The structure will be in place for more than 28 days and doesn’t meet PD criteria
- The site is in a conservation area, National Park or Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
- The structure exceeds 200m²
- You’re in certain London boroughs, which have specific local policies
Planning applications for temporary structures are generally straightforward and are processed within 8–13 weeks in most cases.
What about London specifically?
London has a patchwork of local planning policies that can vary significantly between boroughs. If your site is within Greater London, it’s worth checking the specific requirements with the relevant borough council early, some boroughs are more flexible than others, and a site visit from our team can help you understand what’s likely to apply before you commit to anything.
Retrospective planning permission
In genuine emergency situations — for example, if your existing building has suffered fire or flood damage and you need immediate space — it may be possible to install a temporary structure and apply for retrospective planning permission afterwards. Local councils generally look favorably on genuine emergency applications. That said, wherever possible it’s always better to get permission in advance.
The Lawful Development Certificate option
If you’re not certain whether your structure requires planning permission, a Lawful Development Certificate (LDC) is worth considering. It’s a shorter process than a full application and provides legal confirmation that your structure is permitted, giving you certainty and protection if the question is ever raised in future.
How WeBuild can help
Planning permission is something we deal with on a regular basis and we’re happy to advise based on your specific site and location. If your project does require a formal application, we can point you in the right direction and work with planning specialists on your behalf.
The easiest starting point is a free site visit — we’ll assess the location, discuss your requirements and flag anything planning-related before you commit. Book a site visit here or call 0203 758 3315.