Retention of eight shipping containers for storage purposes

Bloomfields have recently been working with a client who had carried out a significant amount of work on their site over the years without first obtaining planning permission. This included using the land for several unlawful purposes, such as storing caravans, agricultural activities, retail use, a workshop, parking, and the placement of eight storage containers.

When the site was reviewed by Sevenoaks District Council, it was recognised that most of these changes had taken place more than ten years ago. Under planning legislation, this meant the uses had become lawful through the passage of time.

However, the eight storage containers had only been on the site for around eight years and therefore did not benefit from the same protection. As a result, retrospective planning permission was required for their continued use.

Bloomfields prepared and submitted a retrospective planning application on the client’s behalf to regularise the use of the containers. While there were some minor queries during the validation stage, the application was ultimately approved, with no objections raised by neighbours or statutory consultees.