If you’ve got agricultural land and you’re thinking about ways to make it more efficient, practical, or productive, a shipping container might seem like a great solution. Whether you’re planning to use it as secure storage for machinery, a place to keep animal feed dry, or even convert it into a mobile office or workshop, shipping containers are a popular choice across rural and farming communities.
But one question we often get asked at Upminster Containers is: “Can I put a shipping container on agricultural land?”
The short answer is: yes, often you can, but there are some important legal and planning considerations to bear in mind. In this blog, we’ll break down everything you need to know before placing a shipping container on your agricultural land.
Before diving into the rules and regulations, it’s worth exploring why so many farmers, landowners and rural businesses are turning to shipping containers.
At Upminster Containers, we’ve worked with several agricultural clients who’ve used containers to solve all sorts of practical storage and operational challenges.
Here’s where it gets a little more technical.
Generally speaking, yes, placing a permanent shipping container on agricultural land can require planning permission. This is because you’re introducing a structure to the land, which might be seen as a change of use, especially if the land is not already classified for development or commercial activity.
That said, there are exceptions where planning permission might not be necessary.
1. Agricultural Use Only
If you are placing a container on land that is officially classified as agricultural and using it solely for agricultural purposes, you may be exempt from planning permission. This could include:
However, this exemption only applies if the container is directly supporting agricultural operations. If you start using it for commercial, residential, or leisure purposes, it likely no longer qualifies.
2. Temporary Use (Less Than 28 Days)
Under permitted development rules in the UK, you’re often allowed to place a structure temporarily (up to 28 days) without planning permission. If you only need a shipping container for short-term storage during harvest, lambing season, or another event, this rule may apply.
Still, we recommend confirming with your local planning office to avoid any misunderstandings.
Another common use for containers on agricultural land is as tack rooms for equestrian purposes. Converted containers make ideal storage for saddles, feed, and equipment, but it’s worth noting that once a container is converted or used long-term, it’s often classed as a permanent structure.
If the land is used for equestrian activities (rather than farming), or the container is connected to services like electricity, then planning permission may be required. Temporary use (under 28 days) or non-fixed containers used purely for storage might fall under permitted development, but always check with your local council to be sure.
Even if you don’t need planning permission, there are still a few things to consider before putting a container on your land.
Visual Impact
If your land is in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), Green Belt, or near a public right of way, local authorities may object to any structure that visually impacts the landscape. Choosing a well-maintained container and placing it discreetly can help avoid objections.
Access and Groundwork
Make sure that the delivery vehicle can access your site and that the ground is level, firm and accessible. We can help advise on what kind of site prep is required when hiring or buying a container from us.
Drainage and Ventilation
If you’re storing hay, feed, or equipment that’s sensitive to moisture, it’s important to ensure adequate drainage around the container and possibly install extra ventilation.
Planning to turn a container into an office, studio, farm shop or holiday accommodation? That’s a whole different story. In most cases, container conversions will definitely require planning permission, as they represent a material change in the use of the land.
Even if the land is agricultural, using a container as an office, guest unit or commercial space changes its use class. You’ll need to apply for permission, and you may be asked to submit designs, plans and even carry out a site impact assessment.
At Upminster Containers, we also offer container conversions, and we’re happy to work with you and your architect or planner to ensure your project meets local regulations.
If you’ve decided you’ll need permission, here’s a simple step-by-step process:
TIP: Being proactive and engaging with neighbours, and anyone else the placing of a shipping container could affect, ahead of time can smooth the process.
We’ve been in the container business for over 50 years, helping everyone from farmers and construction firms to schools and start-ups make the most of these incredibly versatile structures.
When you choose Upminster Containers, you get:
We understand that every site and every use is different, so we tailor our approach to fit your exact needs.
Yes, you can put a shipping container on agricultural land, but you need to consider its use, the length of time it will be there, and whether it changes the use of your land.
Whether you need it for simple storage or have something more ambitious in mind, checking with your local council is always the safest bet. And when you’re ready, Upminster Containers is here to help you every step of the way.
Need advice or want to request a quote? Contact us today or call us on 01708 225350, we’re always happy to help.
