Static Caravan or ‘Lodge’ Site

(appropriate for up to 5 units, beyond this you are unlikely to achieve planning permission)

How to use this interactive guide?

This checklist looks at some key factors and is designed to help you decide if opening a static caravan site is an opportunity for you and your farm or not.

Taken overall, if you answer ‘Yes’ to most of the questions posed and like the broad financials, then opening a Static Caravan or 'Lodge' Site may well be feasible.

Your Farm

  • Adequate space in attractive setting, with car access?
  •  Site unobtrusive/screened and blends into landscape.   ‘Exposed’ sites unlikely to win planning permission.
  • Close proximity to visitor attractions/activities?
  • Adequate utilities can be provided (water, gas, electricity, sewage) to meet extra demand?
  • Space to provide private garden/play area attached?
  • Guests not affected by undue farm noise, smells, mess etc?
  •  Site located to avoid conflict with farm operation?

You (and your family)

  • Available during lets as landlord/problem solver/holiday advisor?
  • Prepared for regular customer contact?
  • Available to take bookings?
  •  Happy to have visitors around the farm, particularly children?
  • Prepared to provide cleaning and maintenance weekly to a high standard (a few hours every Saturday)?
  •  Prepared to maintain gardens and visitor areas to a high level?

Financials

  • Capital   £12,000-£30,000 per unit incl. site preparation.
  • Potential profit £1,000-£2,500 per unit per year for small scale sites.
  • Loan interest/repayment.   To repay £10,000 over 10 years @ 8% interest requires annual outlay of £1,500.

What is your initial conclusion?

Looking at the above questions under Your Farm and You (and your family) and the outline Financials  -  Is this an option you should be considering?  

Would you like to continue?

Bed and Breakfast - Self-catering - Static caravan site
Camping/Touring caravan site - Camping Barn/bunkhouse Visitor Attraction - Restaurant/Tea Room

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*This Guide has been produced by South West Tourism, working through MPA. It was originally developed with the assistance of DEFRA and EAGGF funding.