Since the pandemic, more self-service parcel lockers have been placed in towns and villages. They are often found near shops, in retail parks, or at petrol stations. These lockers give people an easy way to collect and return parcels.

This guidance page explains when planning permission is needed for these units, how to apply for permission and how to report unauthorised parcel lockers.

Do parcel lockers need planning permission?

There are no permitted development rights for this type of development. However, parcel lockers inside a shop or inside an indoor shopping centre do not need planning permission.

Most external parcel lockers are fixed to the ground, are connected to mains power, and use the internet. Because of this, they are not seen as temporary. They need planning permission in virtually all cases.

Lockers placed next to large shops, in retail parks, or on garage forecourts usually have low impact on neighbours and traffic. However, planning officers will still consider how the lockers look and their potential visual impact on the site and surrounding area.

If you want formal confirmation that planning permission is not required, you can apply for a Certificate of Lawfulness through the ePlanning.scot website.

Extra requirements for units on public pavements

If you want to place a locker on a public pavement, you will need further permissions from Fife Council Roads and Transportation Services. There may also be issues with underground utility services.

Planning permission for a locker will not be approved if it blocks or significantly narrows the pavement or creates a safety risk for pedestrians or road users.

Listed buildings and conservation areas

If a locker is attached to a listed building or it would be in front of or close to any special features of architectural or historic importance, you may also need listed building consent.

How to apply for permission

You can apply for full planning permission, Certificate of Lawfulness and Listed Building consent through the ePlanning.scot website.

You will normally need to provide:

• a location plan
• a block plan showing where the locker will go
• existing and proposed elevations showing the size and appearance

More information may be needed depending on the proposal.

You can view our full validation checklist under “What plans do I need?” on our Apply and pay for planning permission page.

Enforcement of unauthorised units

Any lockers put in place without permission will be investigated under the Fife Council Planning Services Enforcement Charter 2026.

You can find the Enforcement Charter and report unauthorised units on the Breaches of Planning Control page.