Licence - Caravan Site

Business Licences and Street Trading

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.

FAQ

Do I need a licence?

Yes, unless your circumstances are included in the exemptions below:

Can I transfer a licence from the previous owner?

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.

I am thinking of starting a caravan site. What do I need to do?

You or your legal advisor should check that all the land used for siting caravans has planning permission. 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.

You must also submit an application, accompanied by a site plan at 1:500 scale showing the layout of roads, caravans and facilities.

Licence Summary

To run a caravan and camping site you need a licence from the local authority.

There are some exceptions:

A caravan sited within 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 occupied by exempted organisations such as the Caravan Club.
Sites of up to 5 caravans certified by an exempt organisation and which are for members only.
Sites occupied by the local authority. These are usually gypsy sites.
Sites for temporary and special purposes such as caravan rallies, agricultural and forestry workers, building and engineering sites and travelling salesmen.
A site for tents only can be used for a maximum of 28 days in any 12 months.

Conditions may be attached to a licence to cover any of the following:

restricting when caravans can be on the site for human habitation or restricting the number of caravans that can be on the site at any one time
controlling the types of caravans on the site
controlling the positioning of the caravans or regulating the use of other structures and vehicles including tents
to ensure steps are taken enhance the land, including planting/replanting bushes and trees
fire safety and fire fighting controls
to ensure that sanitary and other facilities, services and equipment are supplied and maintained

To view the current Caravan Site Licence Conditions, click here.

Eligibility Criteria

The applicant must be entitled to use the land as a caravan site.

Licences will not be issued to applicants who have had a site licence revoked within three years of the current application.

Regulation Summary

A summary of the regulation relating to this licence.

Application Evaluation Process

Applications for site licences are made to the local authority in whose area the land situated.

Applications must be in writing, should detail the land the application concerns and any other information required by the local authority.

Will Tacit Consent Apply?

Yes. This means that you will be able to act as though your application is granted if you have not heard from the local authority by the end of the target completion period.

Apply online

If you are a caravan site owner/manager - 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 owner/manager - licences are transferable to a new owner 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 owner/manger - 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 land to a permanent caravan site use you must have planning permission before a licence can be issued.

Applying for a licence - an application must be completed, accompanied by a site plan at 1:500 scale showing the layout of roads, caravans and facilities.

Apply to run a caravan site or camp site.

Refund Policy

Please note that refunds of licence fees are not normally given. Only in exceptional circumstances, as deemed by the Licensing Manager, will a refund be considered. Any refunds given may be subject to an administration charge.

Failed Application Redress

You are advised to take up any issue with the local authority first.

If a licence holder wishes to appeal against a condition attached to a licence they may appeal to the local Magistrates' Court. The appeal must be made within 28 days of the licence being issued.

The local district council may alter conditions at any time but must give licence holders the opportunity to make representations about the proposed changes. If a licence holder disagrees with the alterations they may appeal to the local Magistrates' court. The appeal must be made within 28 days of the written notification of the alteration and a notice of appeal must be served on the local district council.

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.