Planning information and FAQs

The Ecolodgic ranges of lodges have been designed to comply with the size and portability requirements of a mobile home.not exceeding 20 x 6.8 metres externally, and 3.05 metres height internally. There is no maximum roof height externally, so we have a more traditional roof pitch which looks great and is better for the building. Our Lodges can be pre-assembled off site and delivered in two half sections (four quarter sections for the larger models), each section lifted into position by crane.

Planning permission

Planning permission is a subject far from simple, although thankfully mobile home planning is an area simpler than other forms of planning. At Ecolodgic we have a National Planning Advisor who can take care of all your planning permission requirements, if you already have an advisor we are more than happy to work with them. We are also quite used to working with local planning departments and can liaise directly with them on your behalf.

Permitted development rights mean that you may not require planning permission (except for in a Conservation area) to site a mobile home/lodge within the curtilage of your home if it is to be used as Ancillary Accommodation to the main home. You may need a Certificate of Lawful Development from your local authority however so as always we would suggest to seek advice from your local authority. More info can be found on the government planning portal.

There are many different avenues with which you may be able to attain planning permission for a lodge, such as temporary planning attached to a Business (with conditions),  agricultural worker, smallholder, forestry/woodland store etc. Each case has its own set of circumstances, and local authorities hold differing views, so quite often it isn’t a clear A or B type answer. Our advice is always to discuss matters with your local authority or a Planning Advisor in the first instance. Ecolodgic works closely with our National planning advisor, we can assist with or take care of the planning process on your behalf.

FAQs

What is included in an Ecolodgic building package?

Our “watertight shell” packages include the log shell (log walls, SIPS floor, roof and internal walls), doors, windows, roofing (membrane, batten and tiles) supplied and constructed on foundations that you provide. Once constructed we will treat the log shell with a log stain of your colour choice. Detailed plans supplied for you or your contractor to complete the building.

How much is an Ecolodgic building package? 

Each Ecolodgic model has its own package price. As a rule of thumb £1000 per square metre for a watertight log shell, a healthy budget for a turn-key completed lodge would be around £1750, but can be completed for as low as £13-1400 per square metre.

Do I need planning permission?

Depending upon your situation you may or may not require planning permission. Log buildings are subject to the same type of planning permission as other forms of buildings so it really depends upon your use and application of the building. 

Can I live in it?

Our lodges are certainly habitable for year round occupation so from our point of view yes you can. The restrictions you might encounter on how long you may reside at your lodge will be determined by your planning permission, for example some holiday lets have a maximum 28 day occupancy and restricted months of the year. 

What kind of roof, doors and windows does an Ecolodgic building package come with?

Our building packages come supplied with Jeldwen Stormsure Standard Casement windows and matching doors, and a choice of roof tile colours.

How long will it take?

We aim to work to a 12 week lead time from order to delivery – subject to workloads at the time – we may require longer lead times for multiple orders. Once delivered and on site we will construct and watertight a log shell in under one week. 

What kind of foundations do I need?

This depends upon site specific conditions, and personal preference. We will discuss with you the best or most suitable method be it strip/pier footings, concrete slab or screw pile foundations. 

What kind of wood is it?

The highest quality Canadian Western Red Cedar (Thuja Plicata). This is the best quality wood to use for many reasons – it is a very light timber, which means it traps a lot of air and therefore one of the best insulating timbers there is. Canadian Western Red Cedar is in the highest category of durability ratings producing thujaplicin and phenolics – which make it highly resistant to decay and wood rotting fungi respectively. It is also a stable timber due to its low wood density and low moisture content. It is an relatively expensive timber but, a price worth paying for its quality and longevity. 

Does the wood come treated – how do I maintain it?

Cedar does have its own natural preservative capabilities so doesn't necessarily need a treatment. We apply a clear fire treatment, and can apply further finishes/stains depending upon your preference. Maintenance is quite easy – keep all gutters and downpipes clear, and nearby vegetation at a distance away from all log parts of the building. Keeping up applications of any stain or treatment you decide upon as per manufacturer's instructions.

I'm a park owner, can I order multiple lodges?

Absolutely. Our unique, revolutionary robotic system means we can quickly produce a previously slow, hand built building at much faster speeds whilst also providing high precision and quality. We are geared-up to produce multiple orders so are ideally suited to you if you have a new holiday park in the planning with larger unit orders. 

Can I change the designs in any way?

Yes you can. The internal floor plan layout is quite easy to change, so for example if you wish to switch a bathroom location and install a study, that’s no problem. Making structural changes such as adding windows/doors is a bigger process for which we will require a longer lead time. 

How is it eco friendly if it's shipped from Canada?

Our orders are moved in shipping containers by train across Canada to the port of Montreal, then by boat to the UK. This method of transport has a surprisingly small carbon footprint which is further offset against by the minimal energy requirement of our manufacturing process. We will route your order to your nearest port meaning the lorry bringing it to you will have the shortest journey possible.