Container Planning Permission Wigan
Understand the rules for storing shipping containers in Wigan. Discover when planning permission is needed and how to contact Wigan Council for assistance.
Planning Permission for Shipping Containers in Wigan
For many residents and businesses in Wigan, shipping containers can be used without requiring planning permission. Typical cases where permission is not usually required include:
- Temporary Storage: For example, homeowners in Leigh or Ashton-in-Makerfield use a container while renovating their property.
- Short-Term Business Use: Construction firms placing a container on-site in Hindley or Pemberton during a project.
- No Permanent Impact: The container does not alter the land’s function or create a lasting visual change.
In these cases, containers are typically treated as temporary structures, which fall outside the scope of planning regulations.
When Planning Permission May Be Required
Permission may be necessary if your container placement has a more significant or lasting impact. Typical triggers for needing planning approval in Wigan include:
- Permanent Placement: Long-term use of a container in areas such as Wigan town centre or Standish.
- Commercial or Public Use: Converting a container into a shop, office, or public facility.
- Impact on Visual Character: Situations where the container alters the look of a street, village, or conservation area.
- Restricted Land: Containers placed on greenbelt land, listed building grounds, or other sensitive areas.
For these scenarios, we recommend contacting Wigan Council’s Planning Department directly before proceeding.
Containers on Public Land
If you intend to place a shipping container on public land in Wigan, such as a pavement, road, or council-owned property, you must apply for a licence. Without one, you could face fines or have the container removed.
Wigan Council requires this to maintain public safety, access, and compliance with local regulations.
Contact Wigan Council’s Planning Department
For tailored advice and applications, contact Wigan Council directly:
- Email:
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. - Visit: Wigan Council Planning Department
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I place a container on public land without permission?
Containers placed on public land without the correct licence may result in fines or removal by the council. Always apply for permission before placing a container on highways or pavements.
How do I know if my private land container needs planning permission?
If the container is temporary and for private use, permission is generally not required. However, if the container is permanent, commercial, or impacts the character of the land, you should contact Wigan Council for guidance.
Do conservation areas in Wigan have stricter rules?
Yes. Containers in conservation areas or near listed buildings may require planning approval, even if temporary. Always check with the council before placement.
Next Steps
If you’re unsure whether you need planning permission for a shipping container in Wigan, the safest option is to check with the council before placement. At Shipping Containers of Manchester, we can help you choose the right container and guide you through the process.
- Tel: 0330 0130 636
- Email:
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. - Explore our Wigan container services
- Discover our container sizes: 10ft, 20ft, 40ft
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Tel: 0330 0130 636