Whether planning permission is required for the siting/stationing of one of our mobile lodges or log cabins is likely to vary from site to site. Both the mobile lodges and log cabins fall within the definition of a caravan as defined under section 29(1) of the Caravan Sites and Control of Development Act 1960 and section 13 of the Caravan Sites Act 1968. Section 29 defines a caravan as:
"Any structure designed or adapted for human habitation which is capable of being moved from one place to another (whether being towed, or by being transported on a motor vehicle or trailer)."
Section 13 clarifies the definition by defining a twin-unit caravan as:
"A structure designed or adapted for human habitation which:
- is composed of not more than two sections separately constructed and designed to be assembled on a site by means of bolts, clamps or other devices; and
- is, when assembled, physically capable or being towed by road from one place to another (whether by being towed, or by being transported on a motor vehicle or trailer."
The dimensions must not exceed 18.288m (60 feet) in length, 6.096m (20 feet) in width and 3.048m (10 feet) in height.
In general the following principles apply:
If they are sited within the curtilage of a dwelling house and used as ancillary accommodation, planning permission will not normally be required because no material change of use will arise. Consequently since no development within the meaning of section 55(2)(d) of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 will have occurred, planning permission is not required.
If they are sited within the curtilage of a dwelling house and used as a separate unit of accommodation i.e. independently from the main dwellinghouse, this is likely to involve a material change in the use of the land and planning permission will normally be required. Under Class A of Part 4 of Schedule 2 to the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 1995, the provision on land of moveable structures, such as a caravan, required temporarily in connection with land for the duration of operations being carried out on the land, is permitted without the need for planning permission. This could arise for example when a house is being constructed and temporary residential accommodation is needed while it is being built. However at the end of the operation, the structure will need to be removed.
Under Class A of Part 4 of Schedule 2 to the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 1995, permission is not required where they are being used in connection with a caravan site. The stationing of a caravan on agricultural land for purposes incidental to the agricultural use of the land (such as the storage of food, as shelter from the elements or as an animal shelter), does not constitute making a material change in the use of the land and permission is not required. However permission is required where it is occupied residentially. Replacing a caravan which already has planning permission or which has acquired immunity from planning control, by a log cabin or mobile lodge will not normally require planning permission. The replacement must however take place within the same planning unit.
In any other circumstances planning permission will normally be required and specialist advice should be sought from an appropriately qualified person or by contacting your Local Planning Authority.