Mobile homes and caravans can be sited and used in a garden without requiring explicit planning permission. A "substantial change of use" may have happened if the usage is not regarded part of or incidental to the dwelling. Planning authorization will be necessary in any instance. Where the vehicle is designed to accommodate more than eight people, or if it is classified as a mobile office. Planning permission is also required for any building work done on your plot or estate, including creating an additional building site. If planning permission has been granted for your home but you want to extend or alter it, then you will need to apply again for planning permission. Exceptions can be made for minor works such as putting up shelves or cabinets, but you should check with your local council office before starting any work. It is important to note that if you move your caravan onto another site (without the landowner's permission) then this could be considered criminal damage, depending on the location and circumstances. You should take this into consideration when deciding where to site your home. Portable homes are only classed as temporary structures and so do not require a license to be occupied as long as they are tied down or bolted down each night. However, these licenses do expire at some point while the vehicle remains in one place so checking with your local government body is recommended to ensure you are not violating any laws by staying put for too long.