Using Shipping Containers to House a Business?

[NordicCrankShaft]

I started a company last year with the long term goal of opening actual premises. Currently freelancing and working all the hours sent my way to get some money built up into the accounts.
Back to the shipping containers, my plan was two 40ft containers adjoind next to each other, one would contain counter and production space, the other a seating area and then also the potential to use the top of the containers also as outside floor space. I live semi rural so finding space hopefully won't be much of an issue.

Does anyone know of any planning regarding these?
Also please feel free to move if in the wrong sub thread.

Edit: Excuse the mispelling in the title ??

Edited by NordicCrankShaft on Sunday 10th April 16:16

Edited by NordicCrankShaft on Sunday 10th April 18:32

[The_Doc]

I don't know if this helps, but this business popped up recently and is 100% shipping containers

https://tribecarlisle.co.uk/

[Equus]

NordicCrankShaft said:

Does anyone know of any planning restrictions of something like like?

Yes.

To all intents and purposes, they will be treated as a building. You will certainly need permission to site them on the land, and you will almost certaintly also need permission for the change of use (from whatever the current land use is, to business use) as well.

[Simpo Two]

What's the attraction of containers over Portakabin etc? Price?

[MustangGT]

Simpo Two said:

What's the attraction of containers over Portakabin etc? Price?

Good point Simpo, shipping containers may well be cheaper, but you would need to factor in the cost of conversion. Openings for windows doors, insulation, heating and air con, electrics etc. Then figure out WC facilities etc.

[Number_9]

I've purchased a lot of portacabins in my time and it has always been cheaper to purchase portacabins rather than containers and convert. The cost to make shipping containers usable to work in outweigh the extra required to buy ready made portacabins.

Purchased a lot through this company https://www.angloscottish.info/products/portable-o...

[WindyMills]

Number_9 said:

I've purchased a lot of portacabins in my time and it has always been cheaper to purchase portacabins rather than containers and convert. The cost to make shipping containers usable to work in outweigh the extra required to buy ready made portacabins.

Purchased a lot through this company https://www.angloscottish.info/products/portable-o...

Likewise, we're on the building side and for some time have refused to convert shipping containers into habitable spaces. Even with top workmanship it's costly and the finished article is crap for the money. Doesn't take much for these sealed metal boxes to be dripping with condensation...

Cost? Cheaper for a portacabin or conventional structure.
Recycling? Most are dumped when damaged, full of rotten food, rusted, etc. You'll probably end up buying new.
Size? By time it's insulated (properly to avoid sweating!!!) it's a tiny space
Ease of alteration? Nope. There's little wasted material on a container. Cutting out doors/windows means you need to put more steel in.

If you have a strong need for containers (say aesthetics), it will be significantly easier, cheaper, and better to cut up containers and stick them on the outside of a traditional building.