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 licence issued by the local authority.
What is a Caravan Site Licence?
A caravan site licence is written permission from the local authority to station caravans intended for the purpose of human habitation on any land. Before you apply for a licence, you will probably require planning permission and you are advised to contact the Planning Department direct to discuss this further. A licence cannot be issued until such permission is obtained.
Are there any exemptions from caravan licensing?
There are some exemptions as detailed in the legislation and these include:
- A caravan sited within the curtilage of a dwelling and its use is incident to the dwelling i.e. 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 fives acres for a maximum of 28 days in any 12 months,
- Sites occupied by exempted organisations such as the Caravan Club,
- Sites approved by exempted organisations for up to 5 caravans and for members only,
- Sites occupied by the local authority,
- Sites for temporary and special purposes such as caravan rallies, agricultural and forestry workers, building and engineering sites,
- Travelling showmen winter quarters (residence between the beginning of October in any year and the end of March in the following year only).
How do I apply for a licence?
Contact the Housing and Public Health Unit (see contact information) who will arrange for an application form to be sent to you. The application form will need to be accompanied by a site plan showing the layout of roads, caravans and facilities. There is no fee for the licence, and it only expires when the planning permission expires. Following receipt of the application an officer will arrange a site visit.
Does the licence have conditions?
The licence conditions will be determined by the visiting officer, having given consideration to the individual site circumstances and the relevant standards;
- Model conditions for touring caravan sites,
- Model conditions for static holiday caravan sites,
- Model conditions for residential sites as revised in 2008 by the Department for Communities and Local Government.
You will be notified in writing of the conditions imposed.Further inspections may be undertaken to ensure compliance with the licence conditions.
Transfer of an Existing Site Licence
Licenses are transferable to a new occupier; however the local authority has to give their consent. Should you wish to transfer a licence please contact the Housing and Public Health Unit.