We live in Spain permanently having started by spending the winters over there when I retired and over several years extending the stay until it came to the point that we decided to sell up and move over permanently. The first couple of years we spent in our tourer and still know many people who are sited all year. The restrictions apply to 'permanent structures' e.g. wooden sheds, chalets etc but the degree to which the rules are enforced depend on the site. It is often posible on some sites to rent pitches with outside kitchens/bathrooms etc. already erected.
The main things to consider re healthcare as the EHIC only covers emergency treatment, vehicle (it might be easier to sell your UK registered RHD and replace it with a LHD vehicle before you leave. Providing you reregister in Spain within 6 months of obtaining your NIE number there are no import taxes/duties and secondhand cars in Spain are much more expensive.
A lot of information is available on the web from the various government websites and others such as http://spain.othercountries.com/pages/articles/index.asp?page=residencia-NIE
Certainly the Costa Brava area can get pretty cold in winter as we found our first year here. Costa Blanca, Costa Calida and Costa del Sol are best for the weather but the area you choose depends on what you are looking for both weather wise and in terms of whether you want to be in a 'British' community or one more mixed.
Good luck and go for it; we've never regretted once, and I can fly back to UK in a couple of hours for around £70.00 return if I need to and can pick my flights a few weeks in advance outside of the main holiday periods.
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