I am told that this topic has come up before but I cannot find it so apologies in advance!

Has anyone had any experience of the authorities here attitude to panel van camper conversions?

Thanks for getting back and it is sort of what I had heard. It just struck me that it cannot be a black and white as this and there must be something in between. For example, there are loads of motorhomes available in Spain that have been converted from standard panel vans by small bespoke companies.
Also when does a van become not a van if you see what I mean. Hopefully the authorities here are not yet into telling you what you can put in your van.

UK.

http://www.campervanlife.com/building/legal

Spain.

http://www.motorhomefun.co.uk/forum/threads/spanish-laws-on-motorhomes-english-v...

I just got this off the net it may or may not be current or of help. The Spanish one is an old post but may give you an idea of changes against the English equivilent.

               

Your most welcome. Have a look at this fellows blog it is full of hints and tips.

http://www.mytravelphotoblog.com/p/touring-europe-in-campervan.html

For the record and in case anyone else is interested, I have been sent this link which seems pretty definitive
:
http://www.roulot.es/consejos-bricocamper/equipamiento-de-la-furgoneta-paso-a-pa...

This describes the legalization process which seems quite sensible and achievable. Certificates are required for gas, 220 volt installations and seat belt mountings which is the same as the UK I think. The main difficulty would seem to be that the conversion should be done by a business but it is said that there are ways around this and it doesn't seem to be always asked for anyway. All of this has to be overseen by an engineer so the next step is to consult with one of these.