Your Complete Guide to Temporary Structures


What Are Your Plans?

Planning an outdoor event, exhibition or in need of extra space temporarily? Temporary structures like tents, marquees and modular buildings provide versatile, affordable solutions for a variety of uses. From intimate gatherings to large festivals hosting thousands, temporary structures allow you to create the perfect venue.

Temporary buildings have come a long way from the basic event tents of the past. New designs and materials make them attractive, functional and able to withstand weather and heavy use. But choosing the right temporary structure requires consideration of your needs, budget, location restrictions and more.

This comprehensive guide will provide you with everything you need to know about temporary buildings, from the styles you can choose for decorating a commercial marquee, to planning permission and sizing.

What is a Temporary Structure?

Defining a temporary structure is not straightforward, as these versatile buildings come in many shapes and sizes. A commercial marquee tent in your back garden or a large storage facility on an industrial estate both qualify as temporary structures. The key factors are portability and the duration of use.

Temporary structures are designed to be erected and dismantled within days, requiring minimal ground preparation. They may stand for a weekend event or remain in place for several months to store seasonal goods, for example.

Marquees and temporary structures are portable and movable – they’re meant to provide usable space but aren’t permanent additions. Ultimately, any structure that can be quickly built up or taken down and relocated can fall within this category, providing a versatile and adaptable solution to countless problems.

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What Do I Need to Consider When Choosing a Temporary Structure?

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When determining the right temporary structure for your needs, there are a few key factors to take into account. Firstly, consider the size that will be required and calculate the space needed based on expected guests, exhibition size or workspace area.

You’ll also need to think about the duration of use – how long will the structure be needed? Is it a one-day event or will it be in place for several months? The duration impacts the type and materials best suited to long- or short-term requirements.

The UK’s changeable weather is another consideration when planning a temporary outdoor structure. To withstand wind, rain and storms, choose a sturdy option with weather-resistant features and good waterproofing. You’ll need to check wind load ratings as well, especially for large event tents.

Uses of Temporary Structures

There are various reasons why you may require commercial marquee hire, with uses generally falling into two main categories: events and storage or warehousing.

For events, temporary marquees can be used for:

But they can also be used for:

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Do You Need Permission to Put Up a Marquee?

In most cases, small temporary buildings, like marquees, used short-term do not need approval. Structures in place for less than 28 days, with floorspace under 1000 square metres and a height below 5 metres, can typically be erected without permission. Extending an existing building with a temporary structure is often allowed too if the new section is shorter, less than 25% of the original size, and serves the same purpose.

However, there are some situations where temporary structures do require you to obtain planning permission first. If the structure will be up for over 28 days, has over 1000 square metres of floor area, or exceeds 5 metres in height, permission is usually needed. The exact permissions can vary by local area, so it’s important to verify the specific rules and regulations for temporary buildings where you’ll be located.

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PARTY MARQUEES

Whether you are having a garden party, birthday, christening or any kind of celebration – Strawberry Marquees has catered for them all. Let our experienced team give your event the WOW factor.

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CORPORATE MARQUEES

Catering for up to 500, Strawberry Marquees can provide everything your company will need from the marquee to the linen on the table. Call us now to discuss your event.

How Long Can a Marquee Stay up Without Planning Permission?

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The length of time a marquee can remain in place without needing planning permission depends on local regulations, but generally, marquees can stand for 28 days without requiring approval.

As temporary structures, commercial marquees are designed for short-term use, such as for events and parties. Most councils allow marquees to be put up for a period of 28 days or less without needing to apply for planning permission. However, if the marquee will be up for longer, or if it exceeds size limits for the area, planning permission may be required before it can be erected.

It’s always best to check with your local authority on the specific rules regarding marquees and temporary structures to ensure you comply with regulations. With the proper permissions, marquees can provide useful covered space for gatherings lasting anywhere from a day up to several months.

Decorating a Temporary Structure

A marquee provides a blank canvas to create the perfect event space. From the exterior to interior décor, marquees can be fully customised for an unforgettable experience. For the exterior, you can choose from a variety of fabrics or choose marquees with window panels that will enhance the natural light inside. Many marquees also offer the opportunity to customise the position of windows and doors to suit your needs.

In terms of the interior of your commercial marquee hire, there are options to customise the flooring, lighting and linings to add colour and interest to the space that makes for a beautiful interior. From furnishings like tables, chairs and stages to bars, sound systems and toilet facilities, there are endless décor possibilities for any theme or purpose. The decor options make marquees customisable and versatile for corporate events, performances, sports and many other occasions.

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Contact us

As we’ve seen, there are so many uses for temporary structures, whether you need them for your business or for personal use. To discuss the options for commercial marquee hire, why not get in touch with a member of the team at Strawberry Marquees?