Do I Need Planning Permission for Putting a Caravan in My Garden?

Are you considering placing a caravan in your garden? You might be wondering whether you need planning permission for this. The good news is that under the provisions of the Caravan Act, in many cases, you can place a caravan in your garden without needing planning permission. However, there are a few important factors to consider.

Firstly, it's crucial to note that if you plan to rent out the caravan or use it for any other purposes, you will likely need to obtain planning permission. This rule applies regardless of whether your property is located in a protected area, such as a listed building or a Green Belt.

If you intend to use the caravan solely for personal use, you should be in the clear. However, it's always advisable to check with your local council. One way to do this is by submitting a Certificate of Lawfulness application, and we always recommend seeking a Certificate of Lawfulness from your Council. This application will determine whether you can lawfully place a caravan in your garden without planning permission. Thousands of unsuspecting homeowners face enforcement action every year, and seeking a Certificate of Lawfulness will avoid nasty surprises later on down the line. At Cedar Planning, our planning consultants are on hand to help you with this process.

For this approach to apply, you the caravan will need to be placed within the residential curtilage of your property (in most cases the garden). This means that if you plan on placing a caravan on an adjoining piece of land which is not part of the 'curtilage' of your home (e.g. an adjoining field), then you will need planning permission.

Keep in mind that even if planning permission is not required, there are certain restrictions or guidelines to follow. For example, the caravan must not exceed a certain size or height, and it should not cause any significant visual impact on the surrounding area.

Placing a caravan in your garden can be a convenient and cost-effective way to create additional living space or accommodation. It is a particular helpful solution in places where you cannot get permission for a garage or outbuilding.

Remember, while you may not need planning permission, we always recommend seeking a Certificate of Lawfulness from your local council. This will confirm if your plans are lawful, and will avoid any nasty surprises later on. You can read more about the Certificate of Lawfulness application process on our blog post here. Or if you would like Cedar Planning to support you through the process, please use the contact form below for a free no-obligation quote.