Introduction to the Caravan Act
With NAPC using a dual application approach to our planning applications, the Caravan Act will be a term that will come up. NAPC’s planning success rate stands at 93%, however, the dual application approach provides two chances of success. In addition, if the Certificate of Lawfulness (mobile home application) is likely to be approved this provides a fallback position, which is a weighty material consideration in the determination of the annexe application.
So what is the Caravan Sites Act 1968?
‘An Act to restrict the eviction from caravan sites of occupiers of caravans and make other provision for the benefit of such occupiers; to secure the establishment of such sites by local authorities for the use of gipsies and other persons of nomadic habit, and control in certain areas the unauthorised occupation of land by such persons; to amend the definition of “caravan” in Part I of the Caravan Sites and Control of Development Act 1960, and for purposes connected with the matters aforesaid.
Most importantly to note, the act clearly defines what constitutes a caravan or mobile home (section 13) Source
The definition of a caravan or Mobile Home (Section 13)
A caravan is a structure that is designed for human residence and can be transported by road. If a structure is permanently fixed to the ground, for example, a brick structure, then it cannot be classed as a caravan.
Therefore looking at the statement above, a Granny Annexe can easily be defined as a mobile home it would just need to undergo certain tests and abide by size regulations.
Specifications for The Caravan Act
Maximum Dimensions for a Granny Annexe Allowed Under the Act are:
Less than
-20m in Length (exclusive of any drawbar)
– 6.8m in Width
– 3.05m in Height (when measured from internal floor to internal ceiling)
Mobility Test
The granny annexe must be capable of being moved from one place to another, whether towed or transported on a motor vehicle/trailer.
To meet the criteria of a mobile home -according to the Caravan Act – the mobile home should consist of two parts. The NAPC submits applications every month and will provide justification for the installation of a mobile home in your garden. We will do this by applying for a certificate of Lawfulness, alongside a full householder application.
Construction
A mobile home must be in two parts for it to qualify as a mobile home under the Caravan Act, and can be assembled on-site using bolts, clamps, and other tools. NAPC submits several applications every month justifying mobile home installations. You can trust that we are the experts when it comes to mobile home planning.
Got a question?
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Further reading
For more blogs on this topic, keep reading. Also find out more on the Planning Portal website here.
Does using your annexe as an Airbnb require planning permission?
