Use of own forset land

[Bradburts]

Hi,
I will move my question to this appropriate subforum.

I want to check my rights to live within a forest which I own. The forest is a leasehold within a green belt. The lease make explicit statments permitting me to errect buildings for forestry purposes but does not otherwise seem to constrain my use of the land.
I presume therefore that my rights are determined by UK law.
What are my rights to live on the land, part time, full time, in a temporary structure (which structures are?) etc?
Regards

[Celestine]

I believe these types of lease only allow properties directly linked with work done within the forest. e.g logging, charcoal production, coppicing etc

From my very vague recall, these terms are quite strict and the local planning authority would enforce any breaches.

You may find useful information on your local council website.

[Bradburts]

Thanks. Yes the lease is specific but in a positive sense - I am entitled to errect for the purposes of forestry work. I would still need planning permission I imagine which as green belt might be very difficult to obtain.

My question is about my right to place and use a temporary structure. My understanding is that a caravan, a tent or similar may be placed & used on land without planning permission? I am uncertain though and so ask for advice.
If the caravan would be council planning department 'legal' then the second part of the question would the lease holder be able to object (without any lease provision to the contrary)?

[islandgirl]

You have to have planning for a residential caravan. Sometimes you see applications for agricultural workers etc but you have to prove 24 hour need as I understand it. Perhaps search your local council planning data base for previous applications and their outcomes?

[Bradburts]

Are you sure that I need permission?
I thought that you could as suggested here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kevin_..._Man_Made_Home

[islandgirl]

I believe you do need permission - am about to go to a meeting so not got time to look up better reference but try this
https://www.caravantalk.co.uk/commun...-land-legally/
google is your friend (as is the website of your local council - as I say look at previous applicatons for the same thing. People do site them illegally - if they are reported they will be made ot remove them...)

[des8]

It's complicated!
Quick googling (as suggested by islandgirl ) brings these sites up which might give you food for thought

https://www.wyreforestdc.gov.uk/plan...-caravans.aspx
https://centurywood.uk/woodland-planning-law/
https://www.woods4sale.co.uk/informa...-woodlands.htm

[Bradburts]

Hey, thanks, some interesting thoughts.
I will start with https://www.caravantalk.co.uk/commun...-land-legally/ which seems to concern a 'static' caravan. Kevin spoke & I am asking about a transportable structure (& especially how the distinction between static & transportable is established)?
https://www.wyreforestdc.gov.uk/plan...-caravans.aspx
seems especially clear & negative (clue may be in .gov.uk) yet I cannot reconcile this with https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kevin_..._Man_Made_Home

https://www.woods4sale.co.uk/informa...-woodlands.htm
Would seem to trump all. Essentially I read that if I join the Caravanning club & follow their rules I can pitch up? Bizarre.
"For those wishing to run a small caravan/campsite (or equivalent structures like Ecopods) as a business, neither planning permission nor a ‘site licence’ are required from the council provided that you apply in advance for an ‘exemption certificate’ from an authorised recreational organisation to make the location a ‘certified site’. You still need to follow certain conditions required by the organisation such as how the site is operated, and the number of tents/caravans. Organisations include Freedom Camping Club and The Camping and Caravanning Club.

As DES8 says, It would appear to be 'complicated!' but I would hope to learn more & gain case law citations.

[seduraed]

I believe that if you put a caravan or tent on your land for less than twenty-eight days a year then no planning is required. If you are charcoal burning then you might be able to argue the need for twenty-four-hour access.

[Bradburts]

Yea, I have also frequently read 28 days. If using the land actively then yes, I would agree might well be ok full time. Perhaps https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kevin_..._Man_Made_Home was taking liberties in suggesting a full right to stay e.g. for ratings.
This link https://www.woods4sale.co.uk/informa...-woodlands.htm seems to say that you might have a rull right to stay if endorsed by a authorised recreational organisation. Which does seem strange.
I am really keen to find case law & actual statute though as what I have read so far does not amount to much more than opinion, perhaps well informed & correct, but not testable.

[des8]

If you want case law, trawl through Bailii (https://www.bailii.org/form/search_cases.html)
Just enter key phrases eg temporary structures forest green belt and start reading

[Bradburts]

Thanks, think that database that would take me several life times!
Was hoping for citations supporting views expressed and/or counters.

[islandgirl]

I go back to my original advice. The very best way is to look at the planning portal on your own district council - usually there is a keyword search. Put in caravan or mobile home etc and see the previous applications which have been made and the decisions the council came to. Planning decisions are made with reference to local plans and National Planning Guidance - a framework within which all councils operate. You will find council papers written by officers which outline the parts of the NPPF (national planing policy framework) and how they apply. This is not so much a "citations" situation as a "what does the council look at when approving applications such as mine" situation

[Bradburts]

Thanks. Yes I do understand & looking certainly helps one finesse the application. I was expecting a no however and so wanted to check my rights based on Kevin's statement that you could avoid planning permission alltogether.
I will get searching just in case ...