Caravan Site Licence

To run a caravan 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

Am I eligible to apply?

You 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.

How we evaluate your application

Applications for site licences are made to the local authority in whose area the land situated.

Applications must be made using our application form. A layout plan of the site is also required.

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 us by the end of the target completion period.

How to apply

Visit the gov.uk link below to download and complete the application form. When you are on the gov.uk page, you need to follow the instructions to download the application form.

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

What to do if your application fails

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.

Appeals by licence holders

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 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 council.