Why are static caravans called mobile homes?

[RogerL]

It's an anachronistic quirk of our planning regulations that allows porta-cabins with little wheels to be treated differently from porta-cabins without wheels.

Since they never use their little wheels, even during delivery, shouldn't the terms "static caravan" and "mobile home" be banned as incorrect, politically or otherwise. They should be called cabins or chalets, just like any other building of similar nature.

 

[mcghee]

You're dead right Roger, and why do static caravans have drawbars?

 

[colin(bridgend)]

Roger - whether they have wheels or not they are classed as mobile for the simple reason that they can be transported from site to site. They are lorry mounted and in the case of "Portacabins" are lowered by jacks once the lorry has been driven from under them. Alternatively they can sited from the lorry using Hiab equipment.

Static caravans are also delivered by lorry and the off loading and siting is made easier by the use of the wheels.

Temporary buildings for office accommodation on construction sites do not require planning approval. For other uses it all depends on the individual situation whether planning approval is required. Generally if it is for the occupation of employees as either a place of work or rest room and is a long term proposal it will require planning approval and also possible building regulation approval.

In essence each case is treated on its own circumstance as to whether planning/building regulation approval is required and for planning can vary from planning authority to authority.

 

[colin(bridgend)]

You're dead right Roger, and why do static caravans have drawbars?

They have draw bars so that they can be moved during manufacture/delivery/on site with the aid of a vehicle such as a tractor. Also in the event of fire it could be necessary to move neighbouring vans in a hurry to prevent the fire spreading.