Caravan Site Guide

This guidance has been prepared by our Food, Safety and Licensing team (who are responsible for caravan site licensing) and our Planning team (who are responsible for development management).

Its aim is to offer guidance, to the owners of individual caravan units, on:

  • the legislation which exists to ensure the safety and standards of caravan accommodation
  • the legislation which exists to control development

This guidance is suitable for both owners and operators of caravan sites.

Definition

'Caravan' is a legally defined term as follows:

  • Construction: A structure, 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
  • Dimensions: Overall external length a maximum of 20m, overall external width a maximum of 6.8m. Internal ceiling height (above internal floor level) a maximum of 3.05m
  • Transportability: Capable of being moved once constructed - usually via wheels

The term 'caravan' may be used to describe any structure which falls within this definition. Caravans may also be known as mobile homes, park homes, lodges, cabins, or by a trade name. It is important to note that, in law, a caravan is a use of land and not a building.

We do not intend to cause any offence when we refer to your home as a caravan. We use the term by the above definition, and to make sure that you are being offered the correct advice and guidance.

Legislation

There are several pieces of legislation relevant to the safety and standards of caravan accommodation, and the control of development. They are as follows:

We offer guidance that is based on our own professional interpretation of the relevant legislation, at the time of publication. Our guidance is subject to change if the legislation changes - or its interpretation is affected by case law decisions.

Licensing

Caravans are not covered by building regulations, as buildings are. The standards and safety of caravan accommodation is controlled by caravan site licensing.

By law, every caravan site within our district must have a valid caravan site licence, issued by us (as the local licensing authority).

Apply for a caravan licence

Planning

Planning law controls the carrying out of development.

Development is:

  • a use of land (for example, the siting of a caravan site on land, or use of land as a caravan site)
  • a building operation (for example, the erection of a building or extension)
  • an engineering operation (for example, construction of an access or hard surface)

All developments need planning permission to be granted by us (as the local planning authority), before they can be lawfully carried out.

Certain buildings and land uses benefit from deemed permission, via permitted development rights. This means that some types of development can be carried out, without the need for planning permission. This is subject to certain limitations (for example, the use of land for agriculture).

In most cases, planning permission includes conditions. Conditions on caravans may restrict:

  • the occupants of the caravan
  • the length of a single or overall stay within a certain period
  • the use of the caravan in association with another property or operation
  • the length of time the permission is for

If you do not have a copy of the planning permission which relates to your caravan, you can request this from our Planning team. They will also be able to let you know about any conditions attached.

Permitted development rights

Caravans, and land in lawful use as a caravan site, benefit from permitted development rights provided by Schedule 2, Part 5 of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 2015 (as amended).

This means that any development, which must be carried out by the associated caravan site licence owner, does not need planning permission. For example, a licence may allow for the construction of a hard surface roadway within the site, or the installation of lighting.

It is important to note that under planning law, caravans are not considered to be dwelling houses. Therefore, they do not benefit from the permitted development rights under Schedule 2, Part 1 of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 2015 (as amended).

In most cases, it is likely that you will need to apply for permission for development such as:

  • porches
  • extensions (including conservatories)
  • decking
  • garages, shells or other outbuildings
  • microgeneration equipment

Some of this development may conflict with the definition of a 'caravan' status. Therefore, it is always best to check with our Licensing team, or Planning team, before starting any works.

Development carried out without (or in breach of) conditional planning permission - deemed or express - may be unlawful, and liable to enforcement action. In some cases, you may have to remove the development.

Pre-application advice

Our Planning team offer a pre-application advice service.

A planning officer can advise you about:

  • whether any work you wish to carry out (or have already carried out) is development
  • if a certain development needs planning permission
  • the likelihood of planning permission being granted

They can also advise you on the process for applying, and the documentation that you will need to submit.

Contact us

Email our Planning team: planning@baberghmidsuffolk.gov.uk

Email our Licensing team: foodsafety@baberghmidsuffolk.gov.uk

Post: Endeavour House, 8 Russell Road, Ipswich IP1 2BX

Phone: 0300 123 4000