A few words about planning and related legislation

Whilst all of our products can be installed on permanent foundations, we primarily manufacture them on integrated single or double steel chassis – which means that they satisfy the legal definition of a ‘caravan’.

In broad terms the requirements for a caravan are: a single-storey dwelling with a maximum ceiling height of 10’ and which is capable of being uncoupled from its power and water services and physically moved either as a whole unit or in 2 halves.

The legislation imposes a maximum permitted length of 60’ and a maximum permitted width of 14’ on a single chassis or 20’ on two parallel 10’ width chassis. Living accommodation units of up to 840 sq ft on a single chassis or 1,200 sq ft on a double chassis are therefore achievable.

In most cases one of our units can be installed in the garden of a house without the need for planning permission (legislation allows a ‘caravan’ to be sited within the ‘curtilege, of an existing dwelling). Although it is always advisable to check with your local planning authority beforehand, it is likely that one of our units could be installed in your garden with little, if any disruption and without need for formal planning consent.

In the majority of cases our products are supplied for installation on existing ‘Park’ sites. In the vast majority of cases, the installation of a unit on any site other than within the curtilege of an existing dwelling will require the park owner to obtain specific planning consent. In addition, the park owner must also obtain a ‘site licence’ from the local authority. The site licence will impose conditions upon the use of the park and any units installed upon it.

Generally, unless a Park has been given planning consent for permanent residential occupation, a site licence will restrict the occupation of units in a manner designed to ensure that they are occupied for holiday use rather then as a permanent home. Examples include restrictions on a unit being occupied for more than 28 days at a time, or else for a maximum of 6, 10 or 11 months in any calendar year.

IMPORTANT NOTE:

Please note that whilst the information provided in this section of our website is given in good faith, it is merely intended to offer general guidance and interpretation of the applicable legislation and is not intended to provide specific or definitive advice. You must ensure that you fully investigate the relevant planning rules and obtain clearance from the relevant local planning authority before proceeding with the installation of any of our units.