Huts
Regulations
Using a hut for leisure, well-being and recreation is a great way to connect with nature. Building a hut out of timber is one way to promote sustainable resources.
Any permanent building used as a dwelling requires planning permission. Even a structure which is not a building but is used for residential purposes requires permission (the planning system controls not only the erection of buildings, but also any change of use of land and buildings). For this reason, a vehicle, caravan, railway carriage, yurt or any form of temporary structure in which a person is living officially requires planning permission, wheels or no wheels.
However, the law can be unclear. If a mobile structure has wheels and is easily removable, some laws say you can say in it for 28 days. This includes camping. A compost loo is allowed but may need planning.
Sheds
You are entitled to erect a small shed in your woodland (permitted development), only if it is used exclusively for forestry purposes. This includes, storing tools and other storage and excludes overnight stays, recreation equipment storage and barbeques. A forestry hut that looks like a house or is able to provide overnight shelter is not allowed through permitted development and planning permission is required.
Sheds are allowed to have comfort facilities for workers and its erection may only need prior notification. Even though having a shed is allowed under permitted development, Glorious Woodlands will still submit a prior notification.
Caravans
As long as a caravan is not for residential use, it is outside planning controls and therefore does not require permission from the planning authority. The Caravan Sites Act 1968 includes mobile homes and self-built structures. According to this definition, it is not compulsory for the caravan to have wheels. According to Small Woods, it must be within the following requirements: the size limit of 60 feet long, 20 feet wide and 10 feet high, be delivered in no more than two sections by a lorry, can be transported in one piece along a road when assembled. Therefore, using a caravan for forestry purposes such as storage, shelter for workers or as an office is permitted without any permission required.
