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
- ensuring steps are taken to enhance the land, including planting/replanting bushes and trees
- fire safety and fire fighting controls
- ensuring 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
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?
No. It is in the public interest that the authority must process your application before it can be granted. If you have not heard from us within a reasonable period, please contact us.
Apply online
tell us about a change to your existing caravan or camp site.
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, you can find consumer advice on the Gov.uk website. From outside the UK contact the UK European Consumer Centre.
Other redress
Examples include noise, pollution, etc., or redress should one licence holder complain about another.
Trade associations
Association of Caravan and Camping Exempted Organisations (ACCEO)
British Holiday and Home Parks Association (BHHPA)
Federation of Tour Operators (FTO)