Policy information sourced from St Albans District Local Plan

18 Residential Caravans, Mobile Homes and Dwellings Constructed of Short-life Materials

Existing locations with permanent planning permission

  • the replacement of an existing caravan, mobile home or short-life dwelling by a new one of similar size and type will normally be permitted;
  • the replacement of an existing caravan, mobile home or short-life dwelling by a permanent dwelling will be permitted only in towns and specified settlements (see Policy 2), and only if proposals comply with Policy 70;

Further proposals for permanent planning permission - such proposals will not normally be permitted (1);

Temporary permission - applications will be assessed against the following guidelines:

  • Overriding need. Permission will not normally be granted unless there is a need for a caravan or mobile home on a temporary basis;
  • The temporary period should be finite and there must be little or no likelihood that there will be pressure to renew the permission for a further temporary period. If repeated temporary period permissions are envisaged, then applicants will normally be requested to submit an application for a permanent dwelling;
  • In the Metropolitan Green Belt - siting and appearance of the caravan or mobile home must not harm the ecology, natural beauty or amenity of the countryside;
  • Agricultural workers’ accommodation - proposals will be assessed against

Footnote

(1) Gypsy caravan sites are considered in paras. 7.25 and 7.26.

For more information please see the Local Plan