Caravan and camping site licence

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

A Licence will not be granted unless a site has also received Planning Permission granted under Part III of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990.

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 (opens in a new window)

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

Apply to run a caravan site or camp site (opens in a new window)

Tell us about a change to your existing caravan or camp site (opens in a new window)

Transfer your existing caravan or camp site (opens in a new window)

Failed Application Redress

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

If a licence holder is refused an application to alter a condition they may appeal to the local Magistrates' court or, in Scotland, the Sheriff. 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 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 or, in Scotland, the Sheriff. 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 or, in Scotland, the Sheriff. 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 (opens in a new window) will give you advice. From outside the UK contact the UK European Consumer Centre (opens in a new window).

Other Redress

E.g. about noise, pollution, etc. Also should one licence holder complain about another.

Information on other websites

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