Caravan and camping site licence
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 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.
Fees :None
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 (90 days). Use to link below to:
- Apply/Amendment to run a caravan site or camp site
- Tell us about a change to your existing caravan or camp site
Apply online
Summary of Caravan Legislation
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. 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. 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. 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 local authority 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.
Trade Associations
- Caravan Industry Training (CITO)
- British Holiday & Home Parks Association (BH&HPA)
- Association of Caravan and Camping Exempted Organisations (ACCEO)
- National Caravan Council (NCC)
