Caravans Act Law

The Legal Definition of a ‘Caravan’ is given statutory documents called in the ‘Caravan Sites and Control of Development Acts’

 

 

Conforming to the Definition of a Caravan Case Law has given further understanding on the definition of a ‘caravan’. Case Laws are new interpretations of Law that are made in Court and can therefore be cited as precedents. To be deemed a ‘caravan’, a habitable structure must conform to a size and mobility test. This is an evaluation of how the caravan could be moved and a measurement of its physical size. A further ‘construction’ test applies to twin-unit mobile home type caravans.

“There are 3 tests to be applied to the park home: a construction test, a mobility test and a size test.”

Appeal Decision by the Secretary of State (Erewash Borough Council 2002)

 

Size Test

Less than 20m x 6.8m. Less than 3.05m when measured from internal floor to internal ceiling.

 

Mobility Test

All caravans must be movable in one whole unit when assembled. It is not necessary for a caravan to be towed, only that it is capable of being moved by road. It is the structure that must possess the necessary qualities, not the means of access to any particular road. *

 

Construction Test For Twin Unit Caravans Only

There should be two sections separately constructed. The act of joining the two sections together should be the final act of assembly. There is no requirement that the process of creating the two separate sections must take place away from the site.

 

*Amendment of the definition of caravan 2006

*Byrne v. Secretary Of State and Arun [1997] 74 P & C R 420.

*Carter and Another -v- Secretary of State and the Carrick District Council [1994]

*Brightlingsea Haven Limited v. Morris and others 2008 EWHC 1928 (QB)

*Appeal Decision by the Secretary of State (Erewash Borough Council 2002)