Toilet Facilities Finance for Campsites and Caravan Parks
Modern, compliant toilet and washroom facilities are essential for campsites and caravan parks of all
sizes. Specialist finance—particularly asset finance—allows operators to construct, refurbish and
upgrade washroom blocks in line with UK licensing standards while managing cash flow effectively.
Introduction
Toilet and washroom facilities sit at the heart of guest satisfaction on any campsite or caravan park.
Regardless of whether a site targets touring caravans, motorhomes, glamping guests or mixed-use
holiday park visitors, clean, accessible and well-designed facilities are non-negotiable.
In the UK, campsite toilet requirements are guided by Model Standards but ultimately enforced by local
authorities as part of site licensing. As a result, operators must balance compliance, durability,
accessibility and guest comfort—often across facilities that experience heavy, seasonal use.
Constructing or upgrading toilet facilities involves significant capital outlay, including buildings,
plumbing, heating, ventilation, fixtures and accessibility features. Asset finance and complementary
funding solutions enable campsite businesses to meet these requirements without tying up large amounts
of working capital.
UK Toilet Facility Requirements for Campsites
While exact requirements vary by local authority, most councils base licensing decisions on national
Model Standards. These provide general guidance on the number and type of facilities required relative
to pitch numbers.
General Toilet and Washbasin Ratios
For sites of up to 120 pitches, typical guidance includes:
- Men: 1 toilet, 1 urinal and 2 washbasins per 30 pitches
- Women: 2 toilets and 2 washbasins per 30 pitches
- Washbasins: Hot and cold running water, with temperature controls recommended
Showers, Accessibility and Family Facilities
- Showers are often required on larger sites, typically 1 per 25 pitches on sites with 70+ pitches
- Disabled-access toilets and showers are essential
- Baby changing facilities should be available, ideally in both male and female washrooms
Smaller Sites and Special Cases
Smaller sites may face reduced requirements, but chemical toilet disposal points with water are
usually mandatory even where full washroom blocks are not required.
Why Investment in Toilet Facilities Is Increasing
Investment in toilet and washroom facilities has increased across the campsite sector due to rising
regulatory expectations and changing guest behaviour.
- Stricter enforcement of licensing and hygiene standards
- Higher guest expectations for cleanliness and comfort
- Increased accessibility requirements
- Wear and tear from heavier and longer seasons
- Competition from modernised holiday parks and glamping sites
For many operators, refurbishing or replacing older facilities is essential to maintain compliance,
protect reputation and secure repeat bookings.
UK Finance Options for Toilet and Washroom Facilities
Asset & Equipment Finance
Asset finance is a highly effective way to fund toilet facilities and washroom infrastructure. Many
elements of modern washroom blocks qualify as financeable assets, allowing businesses to spread costs
over time rather than paying upfront.
Assets commonly funded through asset finance include:
- Modular washroom buildings
- Sanitary ware, cubicles and fittings
- Plumbing, heating and water systems
- Ventilation and lighting systems
- Disabled-access fixtures and baby changing units
Types of Asset Finance Used
- Hire Purchase: Suitable where long-term ownership of facilities is required
- Finance Lease: Provides flexibility at the end of the term
- Operating Lease: Sometimes used for modular or replaceable units
- Business Contract Purchase: Lower monthly payments with a final balloon payment
Business Loans
Business loans can fund non-asset elements such as groundworks, labour, design fees and compliance
upgrades that fall outside asset finance eligibility.
Commercial Property Finance
Where washroom facilities form part of a permanent building that enhances site value, commercial
property finance may be appropriate.
Refinance Solutions
Existing land or buildings can sometimes be refinanced to release capital for large-scale facility
upgrades.
How Gable Business Finance Supports Washroom Investment
Gable Business Finance specialises in asset-backed funding for campsites, caravan
parks and rural leisure businesses. We understand regulatory requirements, seasonal income patterns
and the importance of durable, compliant facilities.
- Access to specialist asset finance lenders
- Guidance on suitable finance structures for washroom projects
- Funding aligned to seasonal cash flow
- Support for phased refurbishments and new builds
Case Studies: Toilet Facility Finance in Practice
The following examples are anonymised and provided for illustrative purposes only.
Case Study 1: Touring Park Washroom Replacement
Business type: Touring caravan park
Funding need: Replacement of outdated toilet and shower block
The park needed to meet updated licensing requirements and improve guest feedback ahead of the peak
season.
Solution: Asset finance for modular washroom building and fittings
Outcome: Improved compliance, higher ratings and increased repeat bookings.
Case Study 2: Holiday Park Accessibility Upgrade
Business type: Holiday park
Funding need: Disabled-access toilets and baby changing facilities
Accessibility upgrades were required to meet modern standards and broaden guest appeal.
Solution: Hire purchase for fixtures and specialist fittings
Outcome: Improved inclusivity and compliance.
Case Study 3: Glamping Site Washroom Build
Business type: Boutique glamping site
Funding need: New central washroom facility
The site required shared facilities to support expansion while maintaining a premium feel.
Solution: Asset finance combined with a business loan for groundworks
Outcome: Expanded capacity and improved guest experience.
Frequently Asked Questions About Asset Finance for Toilet Facilities
Can toilet facilities be funded through asset finance?
Yes. Many elements of washroom blocks qualify as financeable assets, including modular buildings,
fixtures and systems.
What types of asset finance are suitable?
Hire purchase, finance lease and operating lease are commonly used depending on ownership and
lifecycle requirements.
What are the benefits of asset finance for washrooms?
Lower upfront costs, predictable repayments, preserved working capital and no need for additional
collateral beyond the asset itself.
Are there risks to using asset finance?
Risks include long-term commitment and asset repossession if repayments are not maintained, so
specialist advice is recommended.
Can start-up campsites access asset finance?
Many lenders consider start-ups where assets have strong resale value and a robust business plan.
Can asset finance be combined with other funding?
Yes. Asset finance is often combined with business loans or refinancing as part of a broader funding
strategy.
Gable Business Finance
Modern, compliant toilet facilities are essential to campsite success, guest satisfaction and
licensing compliance. Asset finance provides a flexible way to deliver these facilities without
overstretching cash reserves.
Gable Business Finance is a specialist in campsite, caravan park and wider rural business finance. We
support rural tourism, agriculture, leisure, food production and land-based enterprises through
tailored funding solutions including asset finance, business loans, commercial property finance and
refinancing.
By understanding the complexities of rural industry finance—asset-backed lending, seasonal trading
patterns and regulatory requirements—Gable Business Finance helps campsite and caravan park operators
invest confidently in essential infrastructure that underpins long-term success.