Can my neighbour get away with this....

pinkshoes

Grumpy_chap said:

I looked for something about the "Caravan Act" and it does seem as though it is being suggested by some garden room companies as a dodge / loophole around planning requirements.  There also seems to be some VAT saving suggested, so a double win for either the customer or the garden room company.

The criteria for satisfying the "Caravan Act" seem to be that the structure can be lifted in no more then two parts, but can have been originally constructed on site.

https://www.thegardenroomguide.co.uk/planning-permission-or-the-caravan-act-for-my-annexe/2023/04/23/

I agree with this - although it does seem to make a mockery of planning regulations.

The only term that looks like it might go against the construction of this is that it needs to be is: "when assembled, physically capable of being moved by road from one place to another (whether by being towed, or by being transported on a motor vehicle or trailer)".

Looking at the structure, is that moveable by road? From the top view photo I cannot see how they would even get that huge structure out past the house, so I would argue it does NOT meet this criteria.

I would therefore be going back to the council (if this is correct) and stating that it does NOT meet the criteria under the Caravan Act, and could they please explain how this criteria is met.

In the mean time, plant some bamboo in planters along that section. 

BrilliantButScary

Grumpy_chap said:

I have read this thread with some interest.  
In our area, the Council are very tight on preventing so called "beds in sheds" and use planning enforcement strictly to prevent such developments.

Recently, there was a case where an application for Permitted Development for a structure was turned down and that, like the building in this thread, then resurfaced under "Caravan Act".  It seems as though there are few people familiar with the Caravan Act, quite probably including few people at the Local Authority. 

Maybe the Caravan Act has been hit upon by one or more of the providers of temporary outhouse buildings and is being leveraged in an area where the knowledge to challenge is limited.
I suspect individuals and Local Authorities will increase their knowledge in relatively short timeframes.

I was, in a way, hoping that this thread would give some clarity so that I understood how this applied in the case local to me.  It seems that knowledge is not prevalent within this forum.

https://happynesthomes.co.uk/permitted-development-vs-caravan-act-smart-ways-to-add-space-to-your-home/

This is an interesting read.

It would appear that under the 'Caravan Act' that the structure also has to comply with a British Standard.
The OP might wish to enquire whether this structure actually does.

BrilliantButScary

ReadySteadyPop said:

BrilliantButScary said:

Do you know what the structure is going to be used for?
Unfortunately, I have had experience of them being used as bedrooms for adult children, one of whom had a cannabis habit! 

I have also seen them utilised for Airbnb!

I sincerely hope none of the above will apply.

Not sure that would be a major hassle really? AirBnB if it was loud needy types drinking would be a concern though, getting out the chainsaw or cement mixer to do some "work" in your garden would probably drown them out though.

I think that the behaviour of neighbours and how it impacts on you is subjective, as evidenced by the opinions on this thread. 

molerat

pinkshoes said:

Grumpy_chap said:

I looked for something about the "Caravan Act" and it does seem as though it is being suggested by some garden room companies as a dodge / loophole around planning requirements.  There also seems to be some VAT saving suggested, so a double win for either the customer or the garden room company.

The criteria for satisfying the "Caravan Act" seem to be that the structure can be lifted in no more then two parts, but can have been originally constructed on site.

https://www.thegardenroomguide.co.uk/planning-permission-or-the-caravan-act-for-my-annexe/2023/04/23/

I agree with this - although it does seem to make a mockery of planning regulations.

The only term that looks like it might go against the construction of this is that it needs to be is: "when assembled, physically capable of being moved by road from one place to another (whether by being towed, or by being transported on a motor vehicle or trailer)".

Looking at the structure, is that moveable by road? From the top view photo I cannot see how they would even get that huge structure out past the house, so I would argue it does NOT meet this criteria.

I would therefore be going back to the council (if this is correct) and stating that it does NOT meet the criteria under the Caravan Act, and could they please explain how this criteria is met.

In the mean time, plant some bamboo in planters along that section. 

I am sure Mackay and Sons would prove it possible https://www.houseremovals.com.au/outback-truckers/