Do I need planning permission to put a static home on private land?
Static homes have come a long way since their humble caravan beginnings. The days of having to grit your teeth and bear it without any heating, toilet, or shower are long behind us. Today’s static homes are designed to be a home away from home, offering all the mod-cons, including efficient heating, hot water, insulation, luxurious interiors, and multiple bathrooms. It’s easy to see why some people would want to move in full-time, and if you choose a Pemberton static home, you could do so if you wanted to! We are one of the few static home manufacturers that offer the option to upgrade any model in our range to meet residential standards, enabling you to live comfortably in your static home all year round.
The number of people in the UK choosing to live in caravans, static homes, and other temporary structures is on the rise. According to the Office for National Statistics, in 2021, 104,000 households were doing so, a significant increase of over 19,000 from the previous decade.
While living in a static home may not appeal to everyone, there are plenty of other reasons to consider buying a static home to place on private land. In this blog, we’ll explore some of the many ways static homes can be used on private land and discuss the planning permission requirements for doing so.
How can static homes be used on private land?
People buy static homes to place on private land for all sorts of reasons. The high quality of living that today’s static homes offer makes them a versatile solution for solving various housing challenges. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular reasons why people choose to invest in a static home for private land.
Permanent residence – Although quite uncommon, static homes are sometimes bought as a cost-effective alternative for those seeking a compact living space. Of course, you first need to buy the land to put it on. For those considering this option, a Pemberton leisure home is the ideal choice. We are one of the only UK manufacturers of static homes that provides the option to upgrade any leisure home in our range to full residential specifications.
Temporary housing during a renovation – If you’ve bought a house that’s currently uninhabitable and is going to take a significant amount of time to renovate, a static home can provide a comfortable living space in the interim. After the work has been completed, you can sell the static home or keep it as an additional living space, either for personal use or to rent out as a holiday let.
Create additional living space – If you’ve run out of space in your home, placing a static home on your land can provide valuable additional living space. This is particularly useful for accommodating an older child or elderly parent, providing them with privacy and independence while keeping them close enough to provide support and companionship.
Temporary accommodation for workers—Static homes are ideal for housing temporary or seasonal workers, especially those in sectors like agriculture, as they offer comfortable, convenient, and economical living conditions close to employment.
Rental opportunities – For landowners in touristy areas or holiday destinations, static homes can be bought and rented out as a holiday let using popular platforms like Airbnb. In the right locations, static home holiday lets can be highly profitable, providing a valuable source of rental income.
2024 Skydale Lodge
Do you need planning permission to put a static home on private land?
If you want to buy a static home to put on your land, you must first determine whether you need planning permission to do so.
The answer to this question isn’t always a straightforward yes or no; it depends on what the static home is to be used for. Generally, most temporary uses do not require planning permission, whereas anything more long-term or permanent does. Here are some specific scenarios to consider:
Planning permission is not usually required:
- When it is used for purposes incidental to your main home and is not a primary residence.
- For temporary residence during a self-build project or renovation.
- When used seasonally for agricultural workers’ accommodation, with the unit removed off-season.
- If the static home meets the definition of a caravan under the Caravan Sites and Control of Development Act 1960.
Planning permission is usually required:
- If the static home is intended as a primary residence.
- When renting it out, either long-term or as a holiday let.
- If placed permanently on agricultural land.
- When used for business.
This guide provides a general overview, but it’s important to remember that each situation is unique and local regulations and specific conditions might dictate different requirements. You should always seek professional guidance on whether you require planning permission to ensure compliance before investing in a static home.
2024 Glendale Living Room
Pemberton static homes for private land
Considering a static home for your private land but not sure where to start? If you need help or advice, the team at Pemberton is on standby to guide you through the process.
Since the 1940s, we have been designing and manufacturing first-class leisure homes for park owners and private buyers alike. Our huge collection of leisure homes includes everything from compact 12ft homes to large luxury lodges and everything in between.
Our leisure homes are available to view at parks throughout the UK – find your nearest location here. Or, if you’d prefer to explore our range of static homes and lodges from the comfort of your home, take a 3D static home tour of any of our models on our website.
Give our team a call on 01942 321 221 or email us on info@pembertonlh.co.uk for further advice or help finding your perfect Pemberton.
