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Class A: temporary buildings and structures
Class A of Part 4 allows temporary buildings, moveable structures, works, plant or machinery where they are genuinely required in connection with operations being carried out on, under, over or next to the land.
Think of site cabins, temporary compounds, plant and similar facilities supporting construction or other works. It is not a general permission to put a temporary building on land simply because you intend to remove it later.
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Permitted development can avoid a full planning application, but only if the right applies and every relevant limit and condition is met. Planning Geek can check the planning history, Article 4 directions and other restrictions, and help with a lawful development certificate or prior approval where needed.
What Class A can cover
The temporary development must be required in connection with the operations and only for the duration of those operations. It can be on the land where the works are taking place or on adjoining land.
The link with the underlying operation is important. A cabin used as a site office for an authorised building project may fit Class A. A similar cabin used for unrelated storage after the project has finished does not.
When Class A cannot be used
- The underlying operations cannot be mining operations
- If the underlying operations need planning permission, that permission must already have been granted or be deemed to be granted
- The temporary building, plant or structure must actually be required for the operations and cannot simply be an unrelated temporary development
Class A does not contain a separate prior approval procedure or notification requirement. Where the position is uncertain, a proposed lawful development certificate can provide formal confirmation before relying on the right.
Removal and reinstatement
Once the operations are complete, the temporary building, structure, works, plant or machinery must be removed. Where adjoining land has been used, that land must be reinstated as soon as reasonably practicable.
Fees and appeals
Class A itself does not require a planning application or prior approval, so there is no Class A application fee. If you choose to apply for a lawful development certificate, a fee applies and the current charges are on our planning fees page. If Class A is unavailable and a planning application is needed, a refusal can normally be taken through the usual planning appeal process.
Relevant legislation
Class A – temporary buildings and structures
Permitted development
A. The provision on land of buildings, moveable structures, works, plant or machinery required temporarily in connection with and for the duration of operations being or to be carried out on, in, under or over that land or on land adjoining that land.
Development not permitted
A.1 Development is not permitted by Class A if—
(a) the operations referred to are mining operations, or
(b) planning permission is required for those operations but is not granted or deemed to be granted.
Conditions
A.2 Development is permitted by Class A subject to the conditions that, when the operations have been carried out—
(a) any building, structure, works, plant or machinery permitted by Class A is removed, and
(b) any adjoining land on which development permitted by Class A has been carried out is, as soon as reasonably practicable, reinstated to its condition before that development was carried out.
Class A Temporary Buildings And Structures Page Updated: 22nd September 2026