What Farmers Need to Know About Planning Permission
Seasonal Work, Permanent Questions
The UK agricultural industry depends heavily on seasonal labour, especially during peak planting and harvesting windows. For many farms, accommodating that workforce on-site isn’t just a convenience, it’s essential for efficiency and productivity.
But before investing in cabins or mobile homes, one big question arises: Do I need planning permission?
The answer is yes, but mobile homes, when designed in compliance with the Caravan Sites Act 1968, provide a more straightforward path through the planning process compared to permanent buildings. This blog breaks down the essentials so UK farmers can provide accommodation with confidence.
Understanding Planning Permission for Mobile Homes
Planning permission regulates what can and can’t be built on land in the UK. Agricultural land has its own considerations, but the key distinction lies between:
Permanent residential dwellings: Always require full planning permission and building regulation approval, the same as building a traditional house.
Mobile homes (under the Caravan Act): Still require planning permission on farmland, but because they are not considered permanent development, applications are usually looked on more favourably.
Mobile homes also benefit from being exempt from Building Regulations, reducing red tape compared to traditional housing.
What Counts as a Mobile Home?
To qualify under the Caravan Sites Act 1968, your cabin or lodge must meet certain criteria:
It can be transported in no more than two sections.
Maximum external size is 20m x 6.8m.
It must be single-storey, with a maximum internal height of 3.05m.
It’s intended as ancillary or seasonal accommodation, not as a standalone permanent house.
These requirements ensure that mobile homes are practical, flexible solutions without being classified as traditional residential buildings.
Mobile Homes on Agricultural Land
For farmers, the crucial point is this: mobile homes sited on agricultural land will always require full planning permission.
However, unlike permanent housing, planning authorities can often look favourably on applications for mobile homes where there’s a clear need, such as housing seasonal staff, providing accommodation for farm managers, or even siting a cabin for site security.
Some farms may already have permission in place to site caravans or mobile homes for workers. In these cases, cabins can usually be installed without further approval. If not, planning applications for mobile homes are still far more achievable than those for bricks-and-mortar dwellings.
Why the Mobile Home Route Works for Farmers
Mobile homes are not only easier from a planning perspective, they also bring clear benefits:
Exempt from Building Regulations: No need for the complex compliance process required for permanent housing.
Reduced VAT: Many qualifying projects attract 5% VAT instead of 20%.
Faster setup: Quicker approvals and faster installation compared to cottages or traditional builds.
Adaptability: Can be relocated, altered, or removed as farm needs change.
Staff retention: Comfortable on-site housing makes farms more attractive to workers.
A Financial Win for Farmers and Workers
On-site accommodation isn’t just about convenience, it’s about creating stability and value on both sides.
Seasonal workers often face high costs and long commutes when sourcing housing off-site. By offering fairly priced, on-site accommodation, farmers give their teams a better quality of life while helping reduce overheads.
For the farm, charging a sensible rent means workers are more likely to stay through the season, and return year after year. At the same time, it helps recoup the upfront cost of the cabins, turning accommodation into a practical, long-term investment in productivity and staff wellbeing.
Expert Tips for a Smooth Planning Journey
Collaborate with trusted companies, like Keops, who know all regulations inside, out.
Know your land classification: Agricultural land always requires planning for mobile homes.
Stay within Caravan Act limits: Bespoke designs can still comply with size and structure rules.
Plan utilities early: Think about connections for water, power, and waste from the start.
Keep clear records: Documenting accommodation use can support future planning applications.
Conclusion: Planning Permission Shouldn’t Be a Barrier
For UK growers, housing a seasonal workforce is essential. While planning rules can feel daunting, mobile homes under the Caravan Act provide a flexible and achievable solution.
They may require planning permission, but with exemptions from building regs, lower VAT rates, faster setup, and the ability to offer affordable accommodation, cabins are a clear win for both farmers and workers.
Ready to explore your options?
Download our free AgriCabin Guide to learn more about:
Planning and permissions
Utilities and groundworks
Pricing and configurations
Real-life examples on UK farms
Give your team the comfort they deserve, and give your business the return it needs.
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Planning Note
Mobile homes built to the Caravan Sites Act 1968 always require full planning permission when sited on land not classified as Garden. However, because they are not classed as permanent development, applications are often viewed more favourably than for bricks-and-mortar buildings. Mobile homes are exempt from Building Regulations, but must still comply with the Act’s size and mobility requirements. Always check with your local planning authority before proceeding.
