If your kitchen is out of action and you’re considering a temporary kitchen pod, one of the first questions you might ask is: do I need planning permission? The good news is that in most cases, you don’t. Temporary kitchens are designed to be straightforward, practical, and easy to install, but there are a few things you’ll want to check before delivery.

What is a Kitchen Pod?

A kitchen pod (also called a temporary kitchen or courtesy kitchen) is a self-contained unit, usually trailer- or pod-based, that’s placed on your driveway or near your home. It comes fully equipped with an oven, hob, fridge-freezer, sink, and storage so you can carry on cooking during renovations or while your main kitchen is repaired after damage.

Because they’re mobile and removable, they’re treated differently from permanent structures when it comes to planning permission. Learn more about our kitchen pods and temporary kitchens.

Do You Need Planning Permission for a Kitchen Pod?

For the vast majority of homeowners, no planning permission is required. Kitchen pods fall under the category of temporary structures.

Here’s why:

• Not permanent: They don’t involve foundations or building work.
• Removable: Once your renovation or repairs are complete, the pod is collected and the site returns to normal.
• Comparable to vehicles: Many are trailer-based, making them more like a caravan or motorhome than a building.

The only time you might run into planning issues is if:

• You live in a listed property or conservation area with special restrictions.
• Your driveway or garden doesn’t allow for safe access and you need to place the pod on a public road (which may require a permit).
• The pod is intended to stay for an unusually long period (typically > 12 months).

Local Rules in Cornwall & Devon

Planning rules can vary slightly by council, so it’s worth knowing how things work locally:

• Cornwall Council: Generally treats pods as temporary mobile structures, meaning no permission is needed for typical short-term use (renovations, insurance claims). In conservation areas, additional restrictions may apply. If you’re unsure, a quick check with the council is sensible. See our Cornwall service page.
• Devon Councils (Exeter, Plymouth, Torbay, etc.): Follow a similar approach—temporary, mobile structures don’t usually require permission. Listed properties may have additional constraints. See our Devon service page.

In practice, most families in Cornwall and Devon hire kitchen pods without planning complications.

Other Things to Check Before Delivery

Even if planning permission isn’t required, there are a few practical checks to make sure the pod can be installed smoothly:

1. Driveway access: Ensure enough space for delivery—pods are roughly the size of a car.
2. Power supply: Standard domestic electricity is usually sufficient.
3. Water supply: A standard garden tap connection typically works.
4. Level ground: A flat driveway or area speeds up installation.

How to Get Started

If your kitchen is about to be out of action due to renovation, a leak, or an insurance claim, the process is simple:

1. Get a quote: Contact Galleys and check availability in your postcode.
2. Delivery & setup: Our team delivers and installs the pod, usually within hours.
3. Stay cooking: Use the pod for as long as you need.
4. Collection: We remove the pod once your kitchen is ready.

Conclusion

In nearly all cases, you do not need planning permission for a kitchen pod in the UK — including Cornwall and Devon. These units are designed to be hassle-free, so you can focus on your renovation or insurance claim without worrying about red tape.

Get a free quote from Galleys and keep your home life running smoothly.