Buying a Park Home or Lodge for Your Own Land

Siting a BS3632 residential Park Home or Lodge on your own land can be an attractive option—whether you’re looking for a permanent residence, accommodation for family, or a lifestyle retreat. However, there are important legal, practical, and technical considerations to get right before moving forward. This guide helps to explain the considerations you need to know.


Understanding BS3632 Standards

Homes built to BS3632 meet the British Standard for Residential Park Homes. This means they are designed for year-round living, with higher levels of insulation, heating efficiency, and durability than holiday homes built to BS EN 1647. They offer comfort and performance comparable to conventional housing.

This makes BS3632 homes suitable for permanent use on private land—subject to planning and legal permissions.


Planning Permission

When placing a BS3632 Park Home or Lodge on private land, planning permission is one of the most important considerations. Whether it is required depends on the circumstances:

Using a Park Home as an Annex

If the home is being used in conjunction with the main dwelling (for example, as an annexe for a dependent relative or family member), it may not be classed as a separate dwelling. In these cases, local authorities often allow it without full planning permission for a new dwelling, provided certain conditions are met:

  • The home must be within the curtilage of the main property (the land immediately surrounding it, such as a garden).
  • It should share facilities such as access, services, and utilities with the main house (i.e. not have its own metered supply).
  • The annexe must remain part of the main home, with the person living there able to use the house’s facilities.
  • It must not be rented out or sold as an independent residence.

A Certificate of Lawful Use from your local planning authority is often advisable to confirm this arrangement and avoid future disputes.

Using a Park Home as an Independent Dwelling

If the home will be used as a standalone residence—for example, to sell, rent out, or occupy separately—then full planning permission for a new dwelling will almost always be required.

Siting on Agricultural or Farm Land

Agricultural land has stricter rules. You cannot simply place a lodge or park home on farmland and live in it full time without permission. A home on agricultural land would usually need planning consent for change of use to residential. The exception is where it is used as a temporary agricultural dwelling (e.g. for a farm worker essential to the operation of the land). Even then, this normally requires a planning application and is only granted where strong justification exists.

Please note, we are not planning professionals. The information on this page is provided as a general guide only, and every site and situation is different. We strongly recommend seeking advice from a qualified planning consultant or your local planning authority before making any decisions or commitments.


Access and Transport

Residential park homes and lodges are delivered in one or two large sections by lorry. Before delivery check:

  • Access Roads: Are the roads wide enough for large vehicles and free of sharp bends or weight restrictions?
  • Entrance to Site: Is there sufficient space for turning and manoeuvring?
  • Ground Conditions: Can heavy vehicles safely access the plot without risk of damage?

Sometimes temporary roadways, crane lifts, or tree trimming are needed to complete the siting. Your chosen transport and siting company will be able to advise you on this.


Foundations and Bases

A lodge or park home must be placed on a suitable base:

  • The home must be sited on a reinforced concrete pad.
  • The base must be perfectly level and able to support the weight of the home.
  • Adequate drainage should be installed to prevent standing water beneath the home.

Utility Connections

To make the home functional, you’ll need to arrange for:

  • Water Supply
  • Electricity
  • Gas
  • Sewerage and drainage

All utility works should be carried out by certified professionals to ensure safety and compliance.


Landscaping and Surroundings

Consider how the home will sit within its surroundings:

  • Driveways, parking spaces, and pathways for safe access.
  • Decking, patios, or verandas for outdoor living space.
  • Fencing, screening, and planting to ensure privacy and integration into the landscape.

Lifestyle Benefits

While the technical details matter, it’s worth remembering the reasons why people choose a lodge or park home on private land:

  • Downsizing into a more manageable and efficient home.
  • Creating independent accommodation for family members.
  • Making the most of your private land in beautiful surroundings.
  • Enjoying modern, stylish living in a home designed around comfort.

 

Siting a BS3632 residential park home or lodge on private land can be a rewarding and cost-effective way to create a comfortable new home. By carefully considering planning, access, foundations, utilities, and legal requirements, you can ensure a smooth process and enjoy the benefits of a bespoke, modern home built for year-round living.