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CARAVANS IN GARDENS

A 'caravan' is defined in s.29 of the Caravan Sites & Control of Development Act 1960 as "any structure designed or adapted for human habitation which is capable of being moved from one place to another..". The Mobile Homes Act 1968 establishes that a 'Twin Unit' mobile home must also conform to certain dimensional and structural requirements.

A caravan may be parked temporarily (in the same manner as a car) within the curtilage of a domestic property without the need for planning permission, unless there are limiting conditions applied when the house was built. This is more commonplace in modern housing estates.

A caravan may also be used in a manner ancillary to the residential property; that is, in addition to the use of the house, but not as someone's separate dwelling. You can use a caravan as, say, a granny annex, but it must not become someone's "only or main residence". There must remain a relationship between the caravan and the house, so, for example, meals could be taken in the house. Use the caravan simply in the manner of an extra room / bedroom. Make sure it remains moveable.

Check to make sure your property deeds do not restrict this permitted development right; particularly on more modern estates or where the council has issued an Article 4 Direction - common in Conservation Areas.