This is general guidance based on standard permitted development rights in England. Rules differ for listed buildings, conservation areas, and properties with Article 4 directions. Always confirm with your local planning authority before starting work.
Do I Need Planning Permission for an Oil Tank Installation in Tower Hamlets?
Installing a domestic oil storage tank for heating oil. Oil tanks are treated as outbuildings under permitted development and have specific conditions regarding capacity and position.
Planning in Tower Hamlets
81%
of planning applications granted
90%
decided within the statutory or agreed time
59%
of householder applications decided within 8 weeks
In the year to December 2025, Tower Hamlets decided 1,036 planning applications. 198 of these were householder projects such as extensions, loft conversions and outbuildings, of which 89% were granted.
Planning statistics: MHCLG planning application statistics, the year to December 2025. Conservation area and Article 4 data: planning.data.gov.uk, © Historic England / Crown copyright. Open Government Licence v3.0.
Important: Additional Restrictions May Apply in Tower Hamlets
Tower Hamlets has 59 conservation areas. These include Albert Gardens, All Saints Church Pop., Artillery Passage, Balfron Tower, Bethnal Green Gardens, Boundary Estate. If your property is in a conservation area, some or all permitted development rights may be restricted. For example, you may need planning permission for changes that would normally be permitted, including alterations to the roof, cladding, or extensions visible from a public highway.
Tower Hamlets has 64 recorded Article 4 directions. These include Aberfeldy Street; Aldgate East; Aldgate West; Artillery Lane. Article 4 directions remove specific permitted development rights in defined areas. If your property is covered by an Article 4 direction, you may need planning permission for work that would normally be permitted. Contact Tower Hamlets planning department to check whether an Article 4 direction applies to your property.
Check with Tower Hamlets planning department before starting work to confirm whether your property is affected by any special designations.
Permitted Development Rules for an Oil Tank Installation
Generally permitted under Part 1, Class E of the GPDO (as an outbuilding). Oil tanks up to 3,500 litres are PD provided they are not between the dwelling and a highway, comply with outbuilding height limits, and do not cover more than half the curtilage.
Conditions
- 1Maximum capacity: 3,500 litres
- 2Must not be between the dwelling and a highway
- 3Must comply with outbuilding PD height limits
- 4Must not cover more than half the curtilage (combined total)
- 5Must be sited in accordance with OFTEC guidelines for fire safety and environmental protection
Size and Dimension Limits
- Capacity: 3,500 litres maximum
- Height: same as outbuildings (2.5m within 2m of boundary; 4m/3m elsewhere)
When Permitted Development Does Not Apply
- Tanks over 3,500 litres are not PD
- Must not be forward of the principal elevation
- Environmental regulations apply to prevent oil spills (Oil Storage Regulations 2001)
- Secondary containment (bunding) is required for tanks over 200 litres in certain areas
What About Building Regulations?
Building regulations approval is likely required
Building Regulations apply under Part J (combustion appliances and fuel storage). Covers tank construction, bunding and secondary containment, fire separation distances from buildings, ventilation, and oil supply pipework. An OFTEC-registered installer can self-certify the work.
Building regulations are separate from planning permission. Even if your project is permitted development, you may still need building regulations approval. Contact Tower Hamlets building control or use an approved inspector.
How to Apply in Tower Hamlets
If you need planning permission for your oil tank installation, you can apply through Tower Hamlets's planning department or via the national Planning Portal.
If your project is permitted development and you want written confirmation, you can apply for a Lawful Development Certificate (LDC) from Tower Hamlets. This provides proof that your project does not need planning permission, which can be helpful when selling your property.
What Happens If I Build Without Permission?
Low planning enforcement risk for tanks within PD limits. Environmental enforcement is a greater concern: oil spills from poorly installed or maintained tanks can result in prosecution by the Environment Agency and clean-up costs of tens of thousands of pounds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need planning permission for an oil tank installation in Tower Hamlets?
Does an oil tank installation in Tower Hamlets need building regulations?
How do I apply for planning permission in Tower Hamlets?
How long does planning permission take in Tower Hamlets?
What percentage of planning applications does Tower Hamlets approve?
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