Planning Update: New PD Rights for Reverse Vending Machines

A new permitted development right is being introduced to support the rollout of the UK’s Deposit Return Scheme and it’s one for retail and planning teams to keep on the radar.

From 1 October 2027, single-use drinks containers (plastic, aluminium and steel between 150ml and 3L) will carry a deposit at the point of sale, refundable when returned.

Most grocery retailers will be required to act as return points (unless exempt), accepting containers regardless of where they were purchased.

For smaller stores, this may be manageable over the counter. But for supermarkets and larger retail sites, the expected volume of returns means reverse vending machines (RVMs) are likely to become standard.

To support this, the new Part 7, Class CA permitted development right will allow:

• Installation of RVMs within a shop or its curtilage
• Wall-mounted or free-standing machines
• Associated enclosures, canopies and structures

all without the need for a full planning application.

A positive step to enable rollout, but as always, permitted development doesn’t remove the need to think carefully about layout, access, servicing and amenity impacts.

If you’re reviewing sites or planning ahead for implementation, it’s worth getting ahead of these considerations early, something we’re already helping clients navigate.