Caravan and camping site licence

Licence summary

To run a caravan and camping site you need a licence from the council if the site is within the borough.

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

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.

Fees

There is no application fee for this licence.

Application evaluation process

Applications for site licences are made to the council or 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 council.

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

Apply to run a caravan site or camp site.

If you prefer not to apply online, please download the caravan site application form.  Complete and post to the council.

Failed application redress

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

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

You are advised to take up any issue with the council 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 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 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, Citizens Advice will give you advice. From outside the UK contact the UK European Consumer Centre

A club member may request a review of the certificate. The local licensing authority will give reasons for their response to the application in a notice.

Appeals against the decision of a review can be made.

Appeals must be made to the local Magistrates' court within 21 days of the decision appealed

Other redress

Eg. about noise, pollution, etc. Also should one licence holder complain about another. Please contact your Local Authority in the first instance.

Trade Associations

Association of Caravan and Camping Exempted Organsations (ACCEO)

British Holiday & Home Parks Association (BH&HPA)

British Resorts and Destinations Association

Caravan Industry Training (CITO)

Federation of Tour Operators (FTO)

Group Travel Organisers Association (GTOA)

Hotel Marketing Association

National Caravan Council (NCC)

Last updated: 14th January 2013

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