Caravan site licensing

The Caravan and Control of Development Act 1960 prohibits the use of land as a caravan site unless the occupier holds a site license issued by the Local Authority.

There are some exceptions, these being:

• 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 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.

If you are a caravan site occupier

You should have a license already but you should check that your name, the site name and address is correct and up to date. Also check that the license corresponds with your planning permission.

If not, you should send us the license for re-issue.

If you have recently become a caravan site occupier

Licenses are transferable to a new occupier but you should advise us of the change, so that consent for the transfer can be issued.

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 license. If you wish to change the use of the land to permanent caravan site use you must have planning permission before a license can be issued.

Applying for a license

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

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
• Summary of the regulation relating to this licence

Application evaluation process

• Applications for site licences are made to the authority in whose area the land situated.
• Applications must be in writing, should detail the land the application concerns and any other relevant information.

Apply online

• Apply to run a caravan site or camp site
• Tell us about a change to your existing caravan or camp site

Failed Application Redress

If a licence holder is refused an application to alter a condition you are advised to take up any issue with your local Environmental Health Team.

Any 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.

Licence Holder Redress

If, as a licence holder, you wish to appeal against a condition attached to a licence you may appeal to the local Magistrates' Court. This must be done within 28 days of the licence being issued.