By law in Scotland and England under the Fire Scotland act or the English version it states 6m between vans. It does allow for the awning to be placed between this but you must have a clear fire break of 3m between caravan and awning or a clear break of 6m between vans.
In 2005 we stopped at Ardlui at the top end of Loch Lommond,we were directed to what I thought was the car park,but this was where the caravan was pitched.There were spaces on either side of our caravan so I presumed these were to be the gap between the caravans,we went out in the car and when we came back there were caravans on both sides of ours.There was about 2 feet between the caravans,I have more room at my caravan storage.,unbelievable but true.The toilets were a disgrace,badly in need of refurbishment.I do not know if it is still the same there now as we vowed never to go back there.
I stopped off here a few years back and they tried the same with me. As I work in the fire service and at the time the Fire Enforcement dept I produced my warrant card and requested they move the spacings between the vans to the required distances set out in the Fire regulations 2006, under the Fire Scotland act 2005. I also notified the Dumbarton office for them to pay the site a visit. Not sure if they followed it up or not but as it was a complaint they are required to. If you ever come across this and feel the spacings aren't quite right phone the local fire service and request them to visit the site. If you stress that there is a life risk they should send an on call fire safety officer there and then. It is your right to request an officer attend the site if you feel you or others are in danger!
Depending where you are (For Scotland and taken from the Guidance documents provided by the Gov) Long winded but here you are,
Practical Fire Safety Guidance for Medium and Large Premises Providing Sleeping
Accommodation
Technical Annexe 13.16
Holiday Camping And Caravan Sites
This Technical Annexe contains benchmarks in respect of holiday camping and caravan sites, against which the existing level of provision can be compared.
Where these benchmarks are not achieved and the results of the risk assessment indicate risk reduction measures are required, consideration should be given to implementing improvements.
Spacing
1. Subject to the variations listed below, the distance between any two tents/caravans should generally be not less than 6 m.
2. Variations which allow a reduced distance between units may apply in circumstances where caravan construction is inherently fire-resistant. Under such circumstances, the distance between caravans may be reduced to 5 m or, where the site is laid out in a “chessboard” pattern and the unit construction provides a degree of inherent fire-resistance, the distance may be reduced, subject to risk assessment, from 4.5 m to 3.5 m between the closest corners of the units. Where there is a mix of fire-resistant and non fire-resistant construction, the larger separation distances between caravans will be applicable.
3. The distance from any part of the tent/caravan to any site road should be not less than 2 m and not less than 3 m from any site boundary.
4. Measurement for the following variations of spacing requirements is taken from the exterior cladding (excluding any tow bar):
* Porches may protrude 1 m into the 6 m and should be open type construction;
* Where awnings are used, the distance between any part of the awning and an adjoining caravan should be not less than 3 m. They should not be a type which incorporates sleeping accommodation and they should not face each other or touch;
* Eaves, drainpipes and bay windows may extend into the 6 m space provided the total distance between the extremities of two adjacent units is not less than 5.25 m;
* If there are ramps for disabled persons, verandas or stairs extending from the unit, there should be 4.5 m clear space between them and two such items should not face each other in any space. If they are enclosed, they should normally be considered as part of the unit and, as such, should not intrude at all into the 6 m space; and
* A garage, shed or covered space should be permitted between units only if of non-combustible construction and enough space is maintained around each unit so not to prejudice means of escape in case of fire. Any windows in such structures should not face towards the units on either side. Car ports and covered walkways should in no circumstances be allowed within the 6 m space.
Car Parking
5. One car only should be permitted to park between adjoining units subject to the entrance to the unit not being obstructed. Plastic/wooden boats should not be kept between units.
6. No car parking area providing parking for more than 10 cars should be nearer than 18 m from any part of a unit. If car parks provide parking for 10 cars or fewer then the minimum distance can be reduced to 10 m.
Refuse Disposal
7. To avoid the potential for a fire in combustible waste materials, generated by residents and others on the site, regular removal of waste from purpose designed containers should take place.
Fire Hazards
8. Grass and other vegetation should be cut at frequent intervals to prevent them becoming a fire hazard.
9. Spaces below caravans should not be used for the accumulation of combustible materials storage.
10. General guidance on the use and storage of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) can be found in Chapter 6. Further guidance is available from the supplier or the Liquefied Petroleum Gas Association.
11. Open fires should be prohibited on sites.
12. The use of barbecue facilities should be strictly controlled and ideally restricted to purpose designed areas within the site remote from units.
Thanks...I have actually e mailed the site telling them of my concerns...
not a good start is it to my caravanning for the 1 st time time 8 years..it just doesn't sit right with me that money seems to have taken over the safety aspect..squash em in and pay up..comes to mind
I'll let you know if I get a reply
------------- Coming home back to a caravan
2013
Whit week Kelpie Manorbier
July/Aug Carpenters Farm Isle of Wight
it is law, even at our flyball competetitions we have to mark Pitches out that are spaced correctly for fire regs, at most we all have enough room for caravan, awning and van
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: legal requirement ?
