For many of us, the idea of leading a bohemian lifestyle living in a horse drawn caravan is idyllic. But what’s the reality and can you live in a static caravan?
Can you live in a static caravan?
In the UK, there are two types of location where you can site a static caravan, not including private land – one is a holiday park and one is a residential park, each with their own set of particular rules and regulations. You can only live permanently in a static caravan if it is situated on a residential park.
The difference between a holiday park and a caravan park
As the names imply, a residential park is designed for permanent residence and a holiday park is for holidays or extended holiday or recreational breaks.
Season length
A residential park home can be occupied year round and can be used as a permanent residence. As such, council tax is payable whereas a caravan park is usually closed for a length of period each year. Owners of static caravans on holiday parks are required to proof of council tax charges for their permanent residence. Some holiday parks may remain open all year but, in these cases, there may be restrictions on the number of consecutive days or weeks you can occupy the caravan.
Age restrictions
Holiday parks may impose restrictions on single gender party bookings but generally there are no age restrictions in place. On a residential park, however, there is usually a minimum age for ownership (often 55).
Living in a caravan on private land
Whether you want to live in a caravan permanently on your own land or just while home renovations are being carried out, you will need to apply for planning permission. In the latter case, planning permission will often be granted at the discretion of the local authority but in the former, there are certain factors to take into account. These include what and where the land is – is it part of your private garden? is it located in an AONB (area of outstanding natural beauty) or on a site of scientific interest (SSI)? Or is it agricultural land? In any of these cases, or just to get accurate information, consult your council which you can find on the government’s planning portal.
Can I use a caravan as an extension of my home?
Yes! A caravan on your driveway or in the garden can be used as an extra bedroom, for example for visitors or teenagers who need their own space, without planning permission. Stipulations include that no rent can be charged, the caravan must not be used as a separate dwelling, existing access must remain the same, with no additional access being created.
Equipping your static caravan
If you are lucky enough to own a static caravan and want to equip it with all the comforts of home, at BEC Ingoldmells, we offer over 50 years’ experience in the supply of quality hardware items and appliances and accessories for both static and touring caravans. Browse our range of static caravan appliances and hardware, or why not pop in to say hello at our shops?
