’28 day rule’
Under the existing Permitted Development Rights (The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 1995), landowners can operate a temporary touring caravan site for up to 28 days per year without needing planning permission subject to the following conditions:
· The land cannot be used for more than 28 days in any calendar year. The 28 days do not have to be consecutive.
· The rights are for touring caravans only.
· Land over 5 acres – up to three caravans can be stationed at a time, with a maximum stay for each caravan of 2 nights.
· Land under 5 acres – only one caravan can be stationed at a time, with a maximum stay of any caravan of 2 nights.
· Any associated operational development, such as installing hard surfacing or utility hook-ups, is not permitted under these rights and would require separate planning permission.
Any use exceeding these limits would constitute a breach of planning control, against which the Authority may take enforcement action.
Exemption Certificated Sites
Members of recreational organisations (e.g. Camping & Caravanning Club) which meet certain requirements can use land as a touring caravan site (for caravans, motorhomes and campervans) without a site licence and without the need to apply for planning permission if their organisation holds a caravan exemption certificate.
Whilst an exemption certificate allows land to be lawfully used for the stationing of caravans, it does not permit any operational development, i.e. the creation of hardstanding, tracks, hook up points and permanent structures such as toilet/shower facilities. These would require planning permission.
Tented camping is not covered by caravan exemption certificates and are subject to separate regulations.
* This information is intended to be a guide and should not be regarded as a full interpretation of the legislation. It is advised to seek advice from the Authority before carrying out any works that you consider may be permitted development through the pre-application service. *