TOP TIPS FOR CARAVAN STORAGE SITE OWNERS - PART 1

There are so many things to consider when setting up a caravan storage business. Here’s our rundown of the most important elements to bear in mind.

Planning Permission

First things first. You’ll need to make sure you have the necessary planning permission in place. In the majority of cases planning permission for change of use will be required, and this will usually be “B8 - Storage and Distribution” to include outside storage.

Plot Spacing

As a rough guide, each caravan should be given around 30 square metres of space. CaSSOA recommends that the space between each caravan (hitch post to hitch post) is 3.5 metres.

You will need to decide whether you as the site owner will be moving caravans in and out of spaces, or whether you will allow your customers to do this themselves.

You’ll need to consider the following threats:

•          Criminal Damage
•      Theft
•          Fire
•          Flood
•          Falling Trees
•          Storm Damage
•          Vermin

Security

Here are the key areas of security you’ll need to look at:

• Perimeter Protection – to prevent access and secure an area, we recommend that fencing is over 3m in height.

• Access Control should:
• Deny access
• Record access
• Have anti-pass back control that prevents tailgating.
• Activate CCTV (if in use)
• CCTV
• Should you decide to use CCTV, signs should be prominently displayed warning that CCTV is in operation.
• Where personal data is processed, The Data Protection Act 1998 requires that CCTV systems are registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office.
• Security Lighting should: 
• Complement physical and electronic security features.
• Illuminate an intruder
• Illuminate protected premises.
• Operate from dusk to dawn
• Be mounted out of reach of intruders and protected.

Fire Protection

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 applies to caravan storage sites and stipulates that a fire risk assessment be carried out, and any recommendations implemented. The site owner can do this.

In part 2, we’ll look at the administration aspects of setting up a caravan storage business.

For more information, please download our Guide to SecureCaravan Storage.