Caravan site licence
The Caravan and Control of Development Act 1960 prohibits the
use of land as a caravan site unless the occupier holds a site
licence issued by the local authority.
Licence summary
Certain activities may not need a licence such as :
- A caravan sited with the curtilage of a dwelling and its use is
incidental to the dwelling. This means it cannot be occupied
separately.
- A single caravan sited for not more than two consecutive nights
for a maximum of 28 days in any 12 months.
- Up to three caravans on a site of not less than five acres for
a maximum of 28 days in any 12 months.
- Sites of up to 5 caravans certified by an exempt organisation
(such as a caravan club) and which are for members only.
- Some sites occupied by the local authority. These are usually
travellers sites.
- Sites for temporary and special purposes such as caravan
rallies, agricultural and forestry workers, building and
engineering sites and travelling salesmen.
Conditions will be attached to any licence.
Eligibility criteria
The application site must have or be in the process of getting
Planning consent for this use.
Regulations summary
A
regulations summary for this licence
Licences have conditions which include:
- The type of caravan, for example residential, static
holiday or touring.
- The permitted density (the number per acre/hectare) and the
spacing between caravans.
- Water supply and drainage; lavatory and washing
facilities.
- Fire precautions and electrical installations.
If you are a caravan site occupier - you should
have a licence already but you should check that your name, the
site name and address is correct and up to date. Also check that
the licence corresponds with your planning permission. If not, you
should send us the licence for re-issue.
If you have recently become a caravan site
occupier - licences are transferable to a new occupier but
the law requires us to give consent for the transfer. You should
send us the licence with a request for transfer and we will either
endorse or re-issue it.
If you are a potential site occupier - you or
your legal advisor should check that all the land used for siting
caravans has planning permission and that the details correspond
with the site licence. If you wish to change the use of the land to
a permanent caravan site use you must have planning permission
before a licence can be issued.
Application evaluation process
When an application is made it will be deemed to be made
unconditionally unless we give notice that the application is
refused or conditions are attached.
Will tacit consent apply?
No. It is in the public interest that we must process your
application before it can be granted. If you have not heard from us
within a reasonable period, please contact us using the
contact details provided.
Apply for a licence
Telephone or email us for an application form.
You should be able to apply for the following licence
online later in 2010:
Application to change a caravan and camping site licence
An application must be completed accompanied by a site plan at
1:500 scale showing the layout of roads, caravans and facilities.
Please use the contact details to the top right for further
information or to apply for a licence.
Failed application redress
Please contact us (Environmental Health) in the first
instance.
If an applicant is refused a licence they may appeal to their
local Magistrates' court.
Licence holder redress
Please contact your Local Authority in the first instance.
A licence holder may appeal against a condition attached to a
licence to their local Magistrates' court.
Consumer complaint
We would always advise that in the event of a complaint the
first contact is made with the trader by you - preferably in the
form a letter (with proof of delivery). If that has not worked, if
you are located in the UK, Consumer Direct will give
you advice. From outside the UK contact the UK European Consumer Centre.
Trade associations
Association of caravan and camping
exempted organisations .
British holiday and home park
association .
British Resorts and Destinations
Association .
Caravan Industry Training .
Federation of Tour Operators .
Group Travel Organisers
Association .
National Caravan
Council .