The Granny Annexe Caravan Act: A Simple Guide
18.02.2025
Are you considering building a granny annexe in your garden? In that case understanding the granny annexe Caravan Act may be an important step in the process.
The Caravan Act is a helpful piece of legislation that can simplify the planning process – provided your building meets the set criteria. For most people this means that they will incur fewer costs – and who doesn’t like that?
Before we get ahead of ourselves, it is important to remember that not every granny annexe will not be able to meet the Caravan Act criteria. This is not an issue, as there are thousands of annexes built every year with full planning permission. Here, however is our helpful and detailed guide on how the Caravan Act applies to granny annexes in simple terms. Hopefully, by the end you will know whether the building under the Caravan Act is the right choice for you.
What is the Caravan Act?
The Caravan Sites and Control of Development Act 1960, which is often mentioned together with the Caravan Sites Act of 1968. Essentially this act defines what a caravan or a mobile home is, exactly.
According to Section 13, a caravan must be designed for human habitation and capable of being transported by road. ¹ ² This definition is key when it comes to planning permission for granny annexes. Let’s have a closer look.
How does the Caravan Act apply to granny annexes?
Granny annexes can be classified as mobile homes under this act if they meet specific criteria:
- Size Requirements: The structure must not exceed:
- Length: 20 meters (65 feet)
- Width: 6.8 meters (22 feet)
- Height: Internally, from floor to ceiling, not exceeding 3.05 meters (10 feet).
- Mobility: Although it doesn’t need wheels, it must be capable of being moved or transported by road.
By meeting these conditions, granny annexes can avoid full planning permission requirements. Some companies provide special buildings that meet these criteria, by constructing the annexe in a way that it could potentially be transported. The building also needs to be made of ‘two independent parts with a gap’.
Such a granny annexe could be constructed on-site, but you will need to prove that it has indeed been constructed in two pieces which are then joined. You also need to be able to prove that the building can be moved either by crane or by wheeling it.
If you’re planning on building a granny annexe with a concrete foundation – built more like a permanent structure – full planning permission is most likely required.
An annexe should also not have its own access and postal code. It should be ‘subordinate’ to the main house and not be used as a separate dwelling. Councils will be concerned if it looks like the building could be (in the future) sold separately from the main residence.
Benefits of using the Caravan Act
- Simplified planning permission process: If your annexe meets the required criteria, you might not need full planning permission or could get away with less strict regulations.
- VAT exemption: Structures that qualify under the Caravan Act may also be exempt from VAT, leading to lower overall costs.
- Council Tax reduction: Depending on the use and also the occupants’ status (e.g., elderly relatives), council tax exemptions or reductions may apply. You can read more about Council Tax Exemption and Reductions here.
Key considerations
Undoubtedly the most important thing is to have all your paperwork sorted so you can start building your granny annexe without any hitches. Consider the type of structure that meets your needs and whether it can be built to meet the criteria set by the Caravan Act. This will determine the kind of applications and documents you will need to provide to your council.
Make sure that necessary legal applications like a Lawful Development Certificate are handled if needed. In some cases, obtaining a Certificate of Lawfulness can provide legal assurance that your annexe complies with local regulations without needing full planning permission.
Even if you don’t need planning permission under the Caravan Act, you may still require building regulations approval to ensure safety standards are met.
Also keep in mind, that each council has its own rules regarding permitted development rights and what will be considered acceptable use under local policies. Use the UK planning portal to get up to date with the latest requirements and rules in your area.
Conclusion
The Caravan Act offers an efficient way to build a granny annexe without navigating complex planning permissions. And let’s not forget the potential financial benefit of VAT exemption.
A word of advice: Always consult local authorities and suppliers who are familiar with these regulations. They will have the best advice specific to your situation.
Additional tips:
- Consult local planners early in your project.
- Choose suppliers experienced in complying with both building regulations and the Caravan Act.
- Ensure all necessary legal documents are obtained before construction begins.
Hopefully, you now have an idea about how the Caravan Act applies and you can start planning and building your granny annexe. Your local council and the planning portal will help you get started on understanding your local requirements. And, don’t be afraid to take professional help, should you need it.
Sources:
- https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/Eliz2/8-9/62
- https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1968/52/contents
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