Planning

These notes are designed to give some guidance on when there is a need to obtain planning permission for the stationing of one or more caravans on land. It is hoped that this is sufficiently clear but as the subject is complex, further advice should be requested from the local council if you are unsure.

The notes here are based on legislation contained within the Caravan Sites and Control of Development Act 1960, Caravan Sites Act 1968, Town and Country Planning Act 1990 and associated Regulations.

Definitions

A caravan is a structure which is designed or adapted to be lived in and which is able to be moved (eg. by being towed or transported on a lorry). Vehicles such as motorised caravans or converted coaches or vans are also considered to be caravans but tents are not. These note are concerned with caravans which are intended to be, or capable of being lived in, whether permanently (as in residential caravans or mobile homes), or for a temporary period like holiday caravans. Both static and touring caravans are included.hese notes apply equally to single caravans and also to a holiday or residential caravan site or park. A Caravan Site is used to describe the land on which the caravan is stationed, as well as the surrounding land. The notes do not cover so called ‘shacks’, these are treated quite differently in planning legislation.

Use of land as a Caravan Site for 1 or 2 nights

One caravan can be stationed on land for no more than two nights provided :-
It is the only caravan on the land and that in the last 12 months there have been no more than 28 days when one caravan has been on that, or adjoining, land. This is to allow for the overnight stops of travelling people. In such cases the caravan must be moved after 2 nights.

Siting on Agricultural Holdings of five acres or more

Land comprising at least 5 acres can be used as a Caravan Site providing that in the past twelve months :-
1. There has not been any caravan on the land for more than 28 days.
2. There have been no more than 3 Caravans on the land at any time.
You can station up to 3 caravans on land of 5 acres or more, for up to 28 days in a twelve month period.

Sites exempted and supervised by Exempted Organisations

Land occupied by an Exempted Organisation can be used as a Caravan Site provided It is for recreational use and the site is supervised by the organisation.
Exempted Organisations include :
Camping Club of Great Britain and Ireland Ltd., Motor Caravaners Club, Caravan Club, and the Boy Scouts/Girl Guide Associations. Certificates of exemption are issued by the Secretary of State and can be withdrawn at any time.

Exempted Organisations

Land can be used as a Caravan Site where an exempted organisation has issued a certificate provided that :
1. No more than five caravans are situated on the land at any one time;
2. The caravan site is used only by members of the organisation;
3. The caravan site is only for the purposes of recreation;
Certificates are issued by the organisations on a yearly basis. The organisation will consult with the Local Planning Authority before the issue of a new certificate.

Permission

Meetings organised by exempted organisations (Rallies).
Land can be used for a caravan meeting under the supervision of an exempted organisation provided:
The land is used only by members of the organisation, the meeting does not last for more than 5 days unless the land is expressly leased to the organisation concerned. Exempted organisations include those mentioned earlier, as well as many others.

Please seek firm advice from your local council planning office before undertaking any plans that involve expenditure.