Erecting a static lodge/log cabin

EmmaandJames

Hi really hoping someone out there can help.
Were looking into buying a plot of land for equestrian use as well as residential. The plot of land were looking at as 6 acres, brick built stables,sand school and a large static caravan.
No house as far as I'm aware ut has running water and electricity at present.
Now at some point the vendor must of had planning permission one would assume.
My question is we would like to put either a residential lodge or log cabin on the property to live in.
There is conflict of opinion on the internet some stating you need planning permission and others stating you dont. as its not bricks and water so to speak. 
By all accounts also on the land there is a overage clause within the boundaries of the land.
What would this intail if we were to gain the rights for permission from the council however it be were not building of normal construction were erecting so to speak.
Any advice would be appreciated.
Many thanks. 

davidmcn

You'd need planning permission to change the use to residential - the type of construction isn't relevant to that (I think the expression you were looking for is "bricks and mortar", by the way!). The council are likely to publish their policies about that sort of development if you want to check their website, but it is generally difficult to plonk new houses into (what I presume) is a rural location.

As for the overage clause, it depends exactly what it says - and I take it you don't yet know that.

Davesnave

You can do a map search on the council's web site for permissions relating to the site without alerting them to any breaches. It's possible the caravan is sited illegally and the last thing the owner would want is an enforcement notice.

Then, at least you would know what has permission at present.

There's a chance that one temporary structure could be replaced by another and much less chance that both the static and the log cabin would be allowed.

There will be virtually no chance of getting planning for a permanent dwelling on 6 acres with a hobby equestrian set-up, which is all that could be achieved on such a small site.

EmmaandJames

Great thank you very much really appreciate people offering advice.

ProDave

If the static caravan has planning permission you should be okay.  Check before you complete the purchase.

If it was put there without planning but has been used for a certain number of years, you should be able to get a certificate of lawful development to say it is okay,

Having established that a residential caravan is legally there, then you will be free to replace it with any other building that fits the legal description of a "caravan" as defined in the caravan act, which sets out the maximum dimensions.

There was a grand designs a while back where they did this and built a nice timber bungalow about 100 square metres.  such a building can be well built and well insulated (unlike a typical static caravan) and it does NOT have to be on wheels to legally qualify as a "caravan"  It needs to be moveable and lifting it with a crane is a valid means of moving it should you ever wish to.