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The
Nordic Log Cabin
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Change in Caravan Law |
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New, wider units could lead to boom in Log Cabins |
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Many holiday park owners have been looking at Log Cabins with interest for some time. The perceived solidity and warmth they offer is resulting in many seeing 40+ week occupancy, at very attractive average rentals. Holiday companies such as Hoseasons are experiencing a huge, year-round demand for this type of quality self-catering accommodation. |
| The problem has been the
6.1 metre maximum width restriction for a "twin-unit" static.
Given the thicker walls of a properly insulated log building, the internal
layout was often compromised by some suppliers, with smaller than ideal
rooms, and narrow doorways. Other suppliers tried reducing the external
wall thickness to a minimum, to maximise internal space, but in doing so
sacrificed the warmth and solidity that so many find appealing. It seemed
that if you wanted to have log buildings, under planning consent for
caravans, there would have to be compromises. Adrian Mees, M.D. of The
Nordic Log Cabin Company Ltd., said that his company have not previously
been active in this market, as they felt that the compromises necessary
meant that these buildings would not be of the same specification and high
standard as others in their existing range.
But new legislation is about to change this. A government consultation document was circulated recently, proposing several changes to the existing legislation. It was almost unanimously welcomed by the industry and interested parties. It passed into statute at the beginning of October (see http://www.opsi.gov.uk/SI/si2006/20062374.htm ), and one of its effects is to increase the maximum width allowable for a "twin-unit" to 6.8 metres. It may not sound that great, but will mean that a building with two bedrooms across the back will have more that a foot extra width available for each of these rooms. It will enable suppliers such as The Nordic Log Company to offer superb quality, Finnish manufactured, log buildings that are roomy, solid and warm. They will boast specifications such as doorway widths, and insulation levels that even meet the highest current building regulations for new houses, but that will still conform to the planning regulations as a "caravan". Does this level of quality mean high prices you might ask. Well, according to Adrian Mees, not at all. His company are initially offering two designs (with more to come); a 2-bed and a 3-bed, with prices from £60,000, supplied, delivered and installed onto a suitable concrete base. This includes a quality fitted kitchen and bathroom, an LPG-fired combi central heating system, and a comprehensive "proper" furniture pack. Click on links below for floor plans and contacts details. The "Lynx" (2-Bed) The "Elk" (3-Bed) Download PDF of this page and floor plans (4Mb) |
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