Demystifying Planning Permission for Your Kit Building Project

One of the first questions we hear from customers ready to invest in a new steel-framed structure is often the most complex: “Do I need planning permission, and how do I get it?”

At Kit Buildings UK, we understand that navigating the world of local authority regulations can seem daunting. While we can’t submit the application for you, we can certainly equip you with the knowledge and support you need to ensure your project gets off the ground smoothly.

Here’s a straightforward guide to demystifying planning permission for your agricultural, industrial, or domestic kit building.

Is Planning Permission Always Required?

The short answer is: in most cases, yes.

However, it’s not always a hard rule. Many smaller projects, or those relating to existing agricultural land, may fall under Permitted Development Rights. These rights allow for certain types of building work to be carried out without a full planning application, provided they meet specific criteria regarding size, location, and purpose.

Key factors that trigger the need for a full application:

• Size and height: Any building over a certain size footprint or eaves height will require permission.
• Location: Buildings in protected areas (e.g., green belt, areas of outstanding natural beauty, conservation areas) face stricter rules.
• Change of use: If you are changing the primary use of the land (e.g., from agricultural to industrial storage), you will need approval.
• Aesthetics: External appearance, including cladding colour and finish, is often scrutinised, especially in residential or sensitive areas.

Our best advice? Always check with your Local Planning Authority (LPA) first. The cost of an enquiry is far less than the headache of having to modify or dismantle a structure later on.

Understanding the Types of Applications

Depending on your project, you might interact with a few key concepts:

How Kit Buildings UK Can Help Your Application

While the planning application is the responsibility of the landowner, our team provides crucial support that significantly speeds up the process:

• Accurate drawings and specifications: When you order your building, we supply high-quality, precise drawings, elevations, and structural specifications that your LPA will require. This takes the guesswork out of the design details for the council.
• Expert knowledge: We can advise on design choices (such as profile sheeting and cladding colours) that are most likely to be approved in your specific sector, often helping you pre-empt common planning objections.
• Bespoke solutions: Every Kit Buildings UK structure is built to order. If your LPA has a specific height restriction or footprint requirement, we can tailor the design to meet those exact conditions from day one.

Taking the Next Step

Don’t let planning permission become a hurdle. Think of it as the necessary first step towards securing a functional, future-proof structure.

Start by contacting our design team today. We can provide you with a detailed quote and the technical drawings needed to submit a confident, comprehensive application.

Ready to start designing your approved building? Request a Quote or Contact Our Team to discuss your project specifications.