Tips for Caravan Storage Site Owners

Part 1 - Security

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.

Security

You’ll need to consider the following threats:

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

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
• Should record access
• Should have anti-pass back control that prevents tailgating.
• Should 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.
• Should illuminate an intruder
• Should illuminate protected premises.
• Should operate from dusk to dawn.
• Should 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 the CaSSOA Guide to Secure Caravan Storage.