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.
