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Planning permission for steel buildings

Most new steel buildings need planning permission. The main exceptions are some farm buildings and small additions to existing industrial sites, which can be permitted development within strict limits.

New industrial, workshop or storage buildings

A new standalone industrial or warehouse building on a new site normally needs full planning permission from your local council. The application usually includes site and location plans, elevations, a design and access statement, and sometimes drainage, ecology or transport reports.

Extensions and small buildings on existing industrial sites

In England, Part 7 Class H of the General Permitted Development Order allows some new industrial or warehouse buildings and extensions within the curtilage of an existing industrial site, within limits on floor area, height and distance from the boundary. Conditions apply, and it does not apply in some protected areas.

Farm buildings

Agricultural units of 5 hectares or more can put up some farm buildings under Part 6 Class A, up to 1,000 m² of ground area and within height and distance limits, after getting the council's prior approval of the siting, design and appearance. See agricultural steel buildings for details.

What the planners look at

• Size and height compared with nearby buildings.
• Cladding colour. Muted greens and greys are often preferred in the countryside.
• Access, parking and lorry movements.
• Noise, lighting and drainage.

Before you apply

Use the designer to settle the size, roof and doors, and copy the spec into your pre-application enquiry. Many councils offer pre-application advice for a fee. Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own planning systems.