Derby City Council has announced plans to an extend an initiative aimed at helping businesses adapt and recover from the ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.  

Last August, the Council introduced new guidance relating to the construction of temporary structures required by businesses and organisations to facilitate social distancing measures. The guidance allows, in certain circumstances, for structures and buildings to be constructed for a time limited period, without the need for planning permission. The initiative was due to expire on the 23rd March 2021, one year on from the first national lockdown. However, the Council has agreed to extend the timescale for a further year, in response to the ongoing impacts of the pandemic. The initiative will now end on the 23rd March 2022.    

This initiative is in addition to the introduction of ‘permissive pavement licences’ announced earlier in July 2020, 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 and accommodate employees 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 of the information, officers will either approve the details or work with the business to make and suggest alterations or amendments to mitigate any concerns. Where concerns cannot be mitigated then a formal planning application may be required. Where work will have a direct impact on a listed building, listed building consent will be required. The initiative does not include residential properties.

A Derby City Council Spokesperson said:

“We’re really pleased that we are able to extend this initiative for the businesses of Derby. With the future still so uncertain we wanted to provide that bit of assurance that temporary structures built in the last few months could stay in place and to give other businesses an option in the coming months.”

Further details about initiative can be found on the Council’s website.