Choosing a caravan storage site is not simply a matter of finding the nearest available yard. The right site must satisfy planning law, carry the correct site licence, offer verifiable security and suit the practical needs of the owner. Getting each of those factors right protects the caravan itself, keeps any insurance policy valid and avoids unpleasant surprises when the time comes to collect it.
Planning Permission and Site Licensing
Before handing over any documents or signing a contract, owners should confirm that the site operator holds the correct permissions from the local planning authority. In the majority of cases, planning permission for change of use is required, and the type of planning approval needed is known as B8 - Storage and Distribution, to include outside storage. In granting planning permission, a planning authority may impose conditions such as the number of caravans to be stored, security recommendations, opening hours and landscaping to screen the site - and site proprietors must comply with all such conditions, as failure to do so could lead to permission being withdrawn or enforcement action taken.
Planning permission and a site licence are two entirely separate requirements. The Caravan Sites and Control of Development Act 1960 prohibits the use of land as a caravan site without a licence from the local authority. Local authorities have powers to impose conditions in site licences and enforce them if they are breached; those conditions may relate to the number of vehicles on the site, the spacing between them and the provision of amenities, and in attaching conditions the local authority will seek to ensure that general standards of environmental health are maintained.
Ask the site operator to show you evidence of both. A reputable operator will have no hesitation in doing so.
Fire Safety Requirements
Fire safety is a legal obligation that applies directly to caravan storage sites. The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 applies to caravan storage sites and stipulates that a fire risk assessment must be carried out. When visiting a potential site, look for clear access roads that could accommodate emergency vehicles, and check that fire-fighting equipment is visible and well maintained.
According to CaSSOA's own guidance, security factors considered when assessing a storage site include perimeter protection, access control, lighting, alarm systems and CCTV. Fire protection forms part of that same layered approach.
CaSSOA Accreditation - What the Grading Means
The Caravan Storage Site Owners' Association (CaSSOA) is the UK's recognised industry body for caravan and motorhome storage standards. CaSSOA accreditation is based on the assessment of a number of safety and security features including access control systems, perimeter fencing, CCTV and on-site facilities.
All CaSSOA accredited storage sites are assessed for security features, access and amenities, and there are three levels of CaSSOA accredited sites: Bronze, Silver and Gold. In plain terms:
It is worth contacting your insurer before committing to a site, as some policies specify a minimum accreditation level to remain valid.
The AA advises owners to choose a site operated by CaSSOA and to check that security is good - for example, that there are secure posts to which the caravan can be hitch-locked, ground anchors, security staff or CCTV. The RAC similarly recommends that owners store their caravan in a secure place, ideally one accredited by CaSSOA, which assesses sites for safety and security standards.
You can browse storage options across the UK on GetBrent to find operators serving your area.
Practical Site Checks Before You Sign
An accreditation certificate is a strong starting point, but it does not replace a personal visit. CaSSOA itself advises that owners should never commit to a site without seeing the premises first, as the reality may differ from how it has been described over the phone or on a website. Use that visit to work through the following checklist:
- Perimeter security: Is the boundary fencing continuous, in good repair and of a substantial height? Look for palisade or welded-mesh fencing rather than post-and-rail.
- Access control: Is entry restricted to authorised owners only, via a key code, key fob or staffed gatehouse? Ask whether movement records are kept.
- CCTV: Are cameras clearly visible, covering both the perimeter and the storage compound? Ask whether the footage is monitored in real time or simply recorded.
- Lighting: Is the site adequately lit after dark? Poor lighting is a straightforward indicator of broader security shortcomings.
- Surface and drainage: Hardstanding such as concrete or gravel is preferred over grass to prevent moisture retention, which can lead to chassis corrosion and mould.
- Spacing: As a rough guide, each stored caravan should be allocated around 30 square metres of space, according to CaSSOA's site layout guidelines.
- Access hours: Confirm when you are permitted to collect and return your caravan, and whether those hours suit your travel patterns.
- Contract terms: Read the storage agreement carefully, noting the minimum storage period required, the notice period for leaving, and who bears liability in the event of damage or theft.
If you are searching for caravan storage in a specific area, GetBrent lists operators in towns across England. For example, you can find caravan storage sites in Chichester or caravan storage sites in Peterborough to compare what is available locally.
Insurance and Your Own Caravan's Security
Choosing a well-accredited site is only part of the picture. Insurers typically expect the owner to take reasonable precautions with the caravan itself, regardless of the site's rating.
It is important for owners to have physical deterrents in plain sight, including a high-quality wheel clamp and lock to prevent thieves from towing the caravan away. Fitting corner steady locks provides added immobilisation. Owners looking to protect their investment should install an alarm system designed for caravans, which often includes motion detectors and other sensors. A GPS tracking device is another helpful tool, ensuring the caravan can be located if stolen.
Check with your insurer before and after choosing a site, not just at renewal, to make sure the terms of your cover match the storage arrangements in place. Owners in East Anglia looking for a nearby option can also view caravan storage sites in Ipswich on GetBrent.
Find Local Caravan Storage on GetBrent
GetBrent is a UK marketplace where caravan owners can search for, compare and hire storage from verified local operators. Whether you need a fully accredited CaSSOA site with round-the-clock security or a more straightforward covered compound for the winter months, GetBrent makes it straightforward to find available spaces close to home, check what facilities each operator offers and get in touch directly to confirm current terms. Search GetBrent today to find caravan storage near you.
