Caravan ownership and park home living have always been popular and in fact have increased further in popularity since the staycation came into vogue following the pandemic of 2020. But what are the rules around planning permission? This easy to follow guide is full of helpful advice but please note it is not intended to offer legal advice so always check with the relevant local planning authority.
What is planning permission?
Section 55(1) of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 defines planning permission as the “formal permission that must be obtained from a local authority before development or a change of use of land or buildings”. In other words, planning permission determines whether development work can be carried out on a piece of land or whether its use will change.
Definition of a caravan
Section 29 of the Caravan Sites Act 1968 defines a caravan as “any structure designed or adapted for human habitation which is capable of being moved from one place to another (whether by being towed, or by being transported on a motor vehicle or trailer) and any motor vehicle so designed or adapted…”
There are various scenarios where you might ask if you need planning permission for a static caravan so let us look at each:
Siting a static caravan on private land
When considering siting a caravan within the curtilage of your home i.e. on the land immediately surrounding it, ask yourself two questions:
- Does the caravan meet the legal definition as outlined above?
- Will the caravan be ancillary to the main house? This means it will be used by a dependent relative for example, or visiting family members only and will not form a separate dwelling to the house.
If the answer to both these is yes, you will not need planning permission. However, if your home is in an AONB or conservation area, check with the relevant authorities.
Siting a static caravan on agricultural land
Generally speaking, where a caravan is being provided for the temporary (up to 28 days) accommodation of workers such as seasonal fruit pickers, no planning permission is necessary, providing the land is at least 5 acres, no other caravans have been on the land for more than 28 days in the previous 12 months, and no more than three caravans at any one time have been sited on the land. If the caravan is not removed at the end of the period, planning permission will be required.
Planning permission for a caravan during a self-build project or a home renovation
The majority of these cases will not require planning permission. However, every local authority is different so always check relevant planning rules and regulations in your area.
Occasions where planning permission is mandatory
- When the caravan is to be used as a primary residence.
- Where the caravan will be let out as a long term or a holiday let and money will change hands. Depending on the size of your venture, you will likely need a Caravan Site Licence from the local authorities too.
- The caravan will be used for a business venture.
Static caravan supplies from BEC Ingoldmells
Whether you have a caravan on your driveway to provide your teenagers with their own space, or a holiday home sited on a caravan park for paying guests, we stock everything you need to turn it into a home from home. Our online static caravan supplies include appliances and spares, LPG equipment and much more while our complete guide to static caravan accessories is a must-read. For all other enquiries, give our friendly team a call on 01754 871152, send us an email, or pop in to see us in one of our shops when you are in the area.
