Renting Your Business Premises? Here’s How You Can Still Use a Temporary Structure

Renting commercial space brings flexibility but it can also create limitations, especially when your business needs more room to grow or adapt. Whether you’re a retailer, manufacturer or logistics provider, the good news is that temporary structures can still be a viable solution, even on rented land. If you’re renting your premises and need more operational space, speak to the team at Lauralu about cost-effective temporary buildings that can be installed with minimal disruption.

From warehousing to production areas, temporary structures are adaptable, efficient and increasingly popular among businesses looking for quick expansion without the long-term commitment.

The Rise of Flexible Workspaces and Storage

The UK commercial property landscape continues to evolve, with businesses increasingly seeking flexible and scalable workspace solutions. This shift is driven by factors such as the growth of e-commerce, supply chain reconfiguration, and the need for rapid adaptability in operations.

According to JLL’s UK Big Box Industrial & Logistics Market Review for 2024, manufacturers accounted for the highest share of take-up across the year, with a 35% share. This indicates a significant shift towards domestic manufacturing and a demand for adaptable industrial spaces. 

Additionally, Knight Frank’s analysis of the UK industrial and logistics market in 2024 revealed that annual investment volumes were 29% higher than in 2023, while occupier take-up was 20% up year-on-year. This underscores the robust demand for flexible industrial spaces. 

These trends highlight the growing importance of temporary structures as viable solutions for businesses operating on rented premises. Such structures offer the flexibility to scale operations quickly without the long-term commitments associated with permanent constructions. They provide rapid solutions for businesses renting space that may be restricted from making permanent changes but still require efficient, compliant buildings that can scale with operational needs.

Are You Allowed to Install a Temporary Building on Rented Premises?

In most cases, yes. Businesses that rent land or buildings can still make use of a temporary structure, as long as they have permission from the landlord. This is typically handled through a simple landlord’s consent agreement, which outlines what’s being installed, how long it will remain in place and how it will be removed.

Lauralu often supports tenants with documentation and technical drawings that can help streamline this process. 

In our experience, landlords are often receptive to temporary buildings for many reasons, including:

• They’re non-invasive
• They do not damage existing infrastructure
• They can enhance the value or usability of the site

However, it’s important to involve your landlord early in the conversation. Not all leases will include clauses that make this straightforward, so checking your lease terms is a crucial first step.

If you’re unsure about permissions or the installation process, our Lauralu FAQs cover common queries and practical details to help you move forward with confidence.

Planning Permission for Temporary Structures

Another concern businesses often raise is planning permission. In the UK, many temporary buildings fall under permitted development rights, meaning they do not require full planning permission, particularly if they are in place for less than 28 days.

However, for most commercial use cases, especially where a structure will remain for months or years, planning permission is still needed. The good news is that temporary buildings often benefit from a simplified planning route, especially when they’re demountable and non-permanent in nature.

Lauralu works closely with planning consultants and local authorities to help businesses renting property secure the permissions they need. Many councils are pragmatic when it comes to semi-permanent structures, particularly if the development supports job creation or protects supply chains. You can find guidance on planning permission for temporary buildings on the Planning Portal.

What Types of Temporary Structures Are Suitable for Rented Premises?

The best structure for your site depends on what you need it for. Here are a few examples:

1. Temporary Warehousing

If your rented unit doesn’t offer enough storage space, a temporary warehouse installed on the car park or yard area can provide instant relief. These structures are ideal for retail stockrooms, e-commerce businesses, or 3PL providers needing seasonal overflow.

2. Covered Loading Bays

Temporary canopies or loading bays help protect goods and staff from the weather, without requiring a permanent build. These are especially useful for logistics companies renting depots where expansion isn’t feasible.

3. Industrial Workshops

For manufacturers operating on rented land, a temporary steel frame building can be fitted out for light production, assembly or even cleanroom-style environments.

4. Temporary Office Spaces

If you’re growing rapidly and need to expand your admin or operations team, a temporary office building can be installed with full insulation, HVAC and power systems. These units meet the same comfort and safety standards as permanent offices.

All of these structures are available through Lauralu on short-term rental or long-term hire contracts, meaning you can remain agile without upfront capital expenditure.