Avon Riverside Evesham: 11-Month Occupancy Refused Again

A caravan park beside the River Avon in Evesham has had a second application to extend its occupancy season refused. As reported by the Evesham Journal, plans to allow holiday occupation for 11 months of the year at Avon Riverside Caravan Park were turned down because "the site lies in a high flood risk area."

It is a small local story, but it touches on something every static caravan owner should understand: how long you can use your holiday home each year is not simply up to you, or even the park. It is set by planning conditions and the site licence, and flood risk can play a big part.

What was applied for?

According to the Evesham Journal, Robert Gaskin applied for planning consent to increase occupancy at Avon Riverside Caravan Park. The application documents quoted by the paper explain the history of the site's season:

• The occupancy restriction was originally limited to the period between 1 March and 30 November.
• It was later amended to a 10 month period between 1 February and 30 November each year.
• The new application sought an 11 month period between 8 February and 7 January in any calendar year.

The paper's headline describes the change as an increase from nine to 11 months. Whichever way the existing season is counted, the proposal was for a longer holiday season with a short winter closure.

Holiday use only

Importantly, the applicant was not seeking permanent residential use. The plans stated that the proposal "would retain the holiday-only nature of the site and would not result in unrestricted permanent residential occupation." The application described the change as "a modest and reasonable extension to the existing occupancy period" that "would support the ongoing viability of an established tourism business," and said it reflected arrangements already accepted at comparable parks in the wider area.

A second attempt

The Evesham Journal reports that a previous application had been submitted for the incorrect type of consent. A further full application was submitted in July 2026, and it is this application that Wychavon District Council has now refused on flood risk grounds.

Planning has its own procedures, and choosing the right route matters. Submitting under the wrong consent type is an easy mistake to make and is not unusual, which is one reason many parks work with planning professionals when changing conditions.

Why flood risk carries so much weight

Caravans, lodges and other holiday accommodation are generally treated as more vulnerable uses in national planning policy on flood risk. In England, land is broadly mapped into flood zones, with Flood Zone 3 representing the highest probability of flooding from rivers or the sea. Councils take advice from bodies such as the Environment Agency and must consider whether people could be safely warned and evacuated.

Seasonal occupancy conditions are often one of the tools used to manage that risk. Winter months tend to bring higher river levels, so keeping a park closed for part of the year can reduce the chance of people being on site during a flood. Extending the season into winter can therefore raise questions that a planning authority has to weigh carefully, even when the park and its owners would welcome more time.

We have not seen the full decision notice, so we would not want to speculate on the detailed reasoning beyond the reason reported. But the general picture will be familiar to anyone with a holiday home near a river.

What owners should know about season length

This story is a helpful reminder of where your holiday season actually comes from.

1. Planning conditions

Most holiday parks have planning permission with conditions attached. These often limit the months when caravans can be occupied and make clear that use is for holidays, not a main residence. Changing these conditions requires a planning application, as at Avon Riverside.

2. The site licence

Parks also hold a caravan site licence from the local council, which can include conditions about the number of units, spacing, safety and, in many cases, the opening period. The site licence usually reflects the planning position.

3. Your pitch agreement

Your own agreement with the park will normally state the season you can use your caravan, along with fees and other terms. It cannot give you more than the planning permission and site licence allow. Our guide on selling a static caravan with a pitch licence explains why these terms matter when you sell.

4. Flood zones

If your park is near a river or the coast, it is worth checking the flood risk position. In England you can look up a location on the government's flood map service, and your park should be able to explain its flood plan and warning arrangements.

Does season length affect value?

In general, buyers tend to look at how much use they will get from a holiday home, alongside the park, the location, the age and condition of the caravan and the running costs. A longer season can be attractive, while flood risk is something many buyers will ask about. Site fees are another important part of the picture, as we explain in how site fees affect selling a static caravan.

None of this means a park with a shorter season or a riverside setting is a poor choice. Many riverside parks are much loved precisely because of their setting. It simply means owners benefit from understanding the rules that apply.

What happens next?

When an application is refused, the applicant can usually consider an appeal or submit a revised scheme addressing the reason for refusal. For now, the existing occupancy arrangements at Avon Riverside remain in place, as we understand it.

Thinking about selling?

If you own a holiday static caravan or lodge and are weighing up your options, our comparison of cash buyer, private sale and park sale is a good place to start.

For a no obligation chat or a free valuation, call us free on 0800 644 5000 or visit Static Caravan Buyer. We aim to contact you within 24 hours and to make an offer within 48 hours after contact. Payment is made on collection day before the caravan is loaded. Please note we buy holiday static caravans and lodges, not residential park homes.