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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

You’ve Got Questions - We’ve Got Answers

LEAD TIMES?

Generally the lead times are from 8 - 10 weeks from the agreement of the design of our standard options, but depending on any bespoke elements this may change

UTILITIES & SERVICES

This depends on how off grid you are planning your home to be.  If the site has existing electricity, water and drainage we can link into that.  For more off grid locations without services we offer  water catchment tanks and solar power options  for a truly off-grid set-up. Contact us for more information.

CAN YOU BUILD CUSTOM SHELVES AND CABINETS FOR MY HOUSE?

Each model comes with a standard interior pack which can be upgraded with bespoke elements

ARE THEY INSULATED

All of our containers are insulated with 50mm Kingspan insulation in the floors, walls and ceiling, which is an industry standard for high quality homes.  All windows and doors are fitted with double glazed units.

DO I NEED PLANNING PERMISSION?

Container housing often does not need planning permission because it is not considered to be permanent. However, the rules vary in different parts of the country, so you should contact your local planning authority (LPA) for a definitive answer regarding your site.

Find your local planning authority (LPA)

You can also find useful information about your responsibilities on the "Planning Portal" site - "What is planning permission".

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IN YOUR GARDEN

A container house can be an excellent way to quickly and effectively expand your accommodation, whether it’s a home office, studio, extra bedroom or workshop  or even create an off grid retreat.

Such a home does not usually require planning permission, apart from obvious exceptions such as listed buildings or Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).
 

BROWNFIELD SITES

Multiple container homes are a useful way to re-purpose empty brownfield sites or public land, even temporarily. As truly versatile modular houses, with their stackability and portability, a container homes can bring dormant brownfield sites to life, build new communities and relieve homelessness and housing shortages. Container villages maximise spare land without compromising its value as permanent real estate. When the lease expires, the village can be moved to another site.
 

WHY YOU MIGHT NEED PLANNING PERMISSION

In some areas, it can be difficult to obtain planning permission for any kind of building, such as:
 

  •  Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB)

  • National Parks

  • UNESCO World Heritage Sites

  • Norfolk Broads

  • In the curtilage of a Listed Building

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Container houses only require strong support at each corner, rather than full foundations. This often exempts them from planning permission.  A  container home arrives complete and fully fitted. It does not attach to the ground, which also has some bearing on its planning status.
 

PERMITTED DEVELOPMENT

In some areas, container housing falls into the category of outbuildings and is deemed Permitted Development. Outbuildings do not generally require planning permission unless they are separate, self-contained living accommodation.
 

BUILDING REGULATIONS

Building regulations should be complied with if you are using a container home as a full-time dwelling. We can supply buildings fully compliant with building regulations.

IF YOU DO NEED PLANNING PERMISSION

We will work with you to submit plans that acknowledge the sensitivities of your site. There are many ways of making a container home blend sympathetically into its environment.

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