Licence summary
To run a caravan and camping site you need a licence from the local authority. 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 to 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
Please be aware: camping site licences are only needed if you allow your land to be used by the public for camping for more than 42 days consecutively or for 60 days in a year.
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 caravan and camping site licences (Caravan Sites and Control of Development Act 1960).
A summary of the regulation relating to camp site licences (Public Health Act 1936).
Application evaluation process
Applications for site licences are made to the local authority in whose area the land is 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 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 48 day target completion period
Apply online
You can apply to run a caravan site or camp site on-line. You must also tell us about a change to your existing caravan or camp site.
You can apply to run a camp site on-line or tell us of changes to your camp site.
A copy of our application form is available to download from this page if you would prefer to print the form out and return it in the post.
Failed application redress
Please contact us in the first instance. If a licence holder is refused an application to alter a condition they may appeal to the local Magistrates' court. The appeal must be made within 28 days of the written notification of the refusal and a notice of appeal must be served on the local district council.
Licence holder redress
Please contact us in the first instance. 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.
We may alter conditions at any time but must give the licence holder 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.
Other Redress
E.g. about noise, pollution, etc. Also should one licence holder complain about another.
Trade Associations