Derby City Council has announced further steps to help businesses recover from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic with the introduction of new guidance on Temporary Structures.

From now until 23rd March 2021 the Council will, in certain circumstances, allow temporary structures and buildings to be placed on land without planning permission, to enable businesses to expand their footprint to support social distancing measures.

This is in addition to the introduction of ‘permissive pavement licences’ announced earlier in July, which has fast tracked the procedure for adding seating outside cafes and restaurants.

The Council is committed to support local businesses in the recovery and this measure is a pro-active step taken to allow businesses to accept more customers whilst still following the Governments COVID-19 guidance.

Any existing business or organisation wishing to erect (or which has already erected) a temporary structure for Covid-19 related reasons on private land should contact the Development Control team with the information listed below:

  • Business name, contact details of a named individual
  • A site location plan
  • A location plan including the location of the structure
  • A description of the structure, including sizes and dimensions
  • A description of how you plan to make the structure safe e.g. wind loading, flame retardancy, anchorage / stability etc
  • When the structure was erected or when do you plan to erect it
  • Photos of the site including the area where the temporary structure will be located, and
  • A brief overview of what the structure will be used for (including the hours it will be used for) and why the structure is required (related to Covid-19)
  • Written confirmation that the building or structure will be removed by the end date, unless planning permission has been obtained

Following an initial assessment on the information, officers will either approve the application or work with the business to make and suggest alterations or amendments to mitigate any concerns. For example, the guidance includes requirements to consider the needs of disabled people, particularly visually impaired people and wheelchair users as well as pedestrians. Where concerns cannot be mitigated then a formal planning application may be required. Where work will have a direct impact on a listed building further information, listed building consent will be required. The initiative does not include residential properties.