Mobile home on my garden

DairyQueen

You do not require pp to install any 'structure' that falls within the definition of a 'caravan' under the 1968 Caravan Act within your own garden (unless your property is listed). Don't let the word 'caravan' mislead you. This definition includes 'mobile homes' that are up to 20m x 6.7m and built to residential standards. Multiple designs are available: log cabins, bungalows, contemporary. Many companies specialise in building and installing these structures. They must not be permanently fixed to the ground and must be able to be moved in no more than two sections.
"A caravan means any structure designed or adapted for human habitation which is capable of being moved from one place to another (whether by being towed, or by being transported on a motor vehicle or trailer)."

It's the 'use' of the structure that may require pp. Generally, any use that is ancillary to that of the main home does not require pp. For example: guest accommodation, office, games room. Granny annexe is another such use but the planning authority may go hardline if the occupants don't use any of the main house amenities so best ensure that (for example) the LA is advised if meals and laundry are to be provided in the main house. The structure cannot be used as a separate address.

Link to one example here.

And another.

Preparing the site can be costly as all such structures require hard standing and supply of services (electricity, water, sewage). However, it's very cost-efficient compared to buying a standard-build property. 

We were considering installing something like this for my parents and I spent eons researching a couple fo years ago. It can be an excellent way to address the needs of elderly parents.

onwards&upwards

jcee19 said:

Hi, I have elderly parents that can no longer live alone. I have had the thought of building a self contained log home on my garden . Can anyone offer me help and advice on whether this would be possible and how I need to go about it.
Thanks
Jcee

If they can no longer live alone I don’t really see how living in a shed at the bottom of your garden will help.  Presumably they’d still be alone in it for most of the time?

would looking to get them into sheltered accommodation not make more sense?

GDB2222

Thanks, everyone, for all that information. I had no idea that you could just put something like this in your garden without planning permission.  

Would there be a separate council tax bill?

Davesnave

onwards&upwards said:

If they can no longer live alone I don’t really see how living in a shed at the bottom of your garden will help.  Presumably they’d still be alone in it for most of the time?

would looking to get them into sheltered accommodation not make more sense?

Modern wooden structures can be thermally efficient; just ask a Scandinavian person to confirm.

If the OP is in a position like I was, with the parent(s) at a distance, then it would make a significant difference if they are 'at the bottom of the garden,' instead of an hour away. While there might be carers involved too, being able to drop in several times a day becomes possible.

Looking after my parent, I'd sometimes find requests for help happening twice in a day, despite carer visits morning, noon and, later on, early evening too.

thearchitect

GDB2222 said:

Thanks, everyone, for all that information. I had no idea that you could just put something like this in your garden without planning permission.  

Would there be a separate council tax bill?

But you can't "just something like this in your garden".....as Dairyqueen said:

It's the 'use' of the structure that may require pp. Generally, any use that is ancillary to that of the main home does not require pp. For example: guest accommodation, office, games room. Granny annexe is another such use but the planning authority may go hardline if the occupants don't use any of the main house amenities so best ensure that (for example) the LA is advised if meals and laundry are to be provided in the main house. The structure cannot be used as a separate address.

Freecall

So, I don't really understand.  If they have... 

drainage fed into mutual septic tank. 

Why do they need...

 a wee garden 

Skiddaw1

Freecall said:

So, I don't really understand.  If they have... 

drainage fed into mutual septic tank. 

Why do they need...

 a wee garden 

lincroft1710

If it is a self contained dwelling, then it will attract its own Council Tax band. However if it is occupied by a dependant relative, then it is exempt from CT payment.

Regarding planning permission, permitted development rights etc, it would be prudent to contact your local planning dept to find out exactly what is and isn't permitted.