Caravan Site Accommodation
The Council encourages good standards at caravan sites in the Borough for the pleasure and enjoyment of the community and for tourists who visit the area.
The Council responds to complaints about unsatisfactory caravans and caravan sites and carries out regular inspections of caravan sites to ensure that they are complying with site licence conditions.
The use of land as a caravan site requires a Caravan Site Licence (but there are some exceptions) and the Council will attach conditions to the licence. If site licence conditions are not being met Environmental Health Officers or Technical Officers will discuss the contraventions with the site operator. A reasonable amount of time will be allowed for any contravention to be put right.
Site Licence conditions are designed to protect the health, safety and welfare of caravan occupants (both permanent and visitors) and covers such issues as fire safety, and drainage.
Licensing Requirements
A caravan site licence is required if a caravan is stationed on land for the purpose of human habitation.
Schedule 1 of the Caravan Sites Act lists the following exemptions:-
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incidental to the enjoyment and within the curtilage of a dwelling house (does not apply to flats or guest houses).
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A single caravan, for a maximum of two nights, and a maximum of twenty eight days in twelve months.
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a maximum of three caravans for twenty eight days in twelve months on holdings of five acres or more.
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sites occupied and supervised by exempted organisations.
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up to five caravans on sites certified by exempted organisations.
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a meeting organised by exempted organisation lasting for not more than five days.
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seasonal use by agricultural and forestry workers.
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building and engineering site workers at or adjoining the site.
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travelling showmen.
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sites occupied by the District Council.
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gypsy sites occupied by County or Regional Councils.
A licence can only be issued if the site has expressed planning consent. An established use certificate does not give entitlement to a licence. The consent may limit use to particular types of caravans e.g. self propelled caravans where there is difficulty over access. In these cases the licence should contain the same restrictions.
A caravan site can include tents and on touring sites the licence normally allows a small tent alongside a caravan to be counted as a single unit. If the site does not have planning consent for caravans, a licence for tents can be granted under the provisions of the Public Health Act.
Application for a Caravan Site Licence
Please use the online form below to apply for a caravan site license. If the licence is not issued within two months, the site can operate without a licence until one is issued.
Tented Site Licence
A tented site licence is required if tents are stationed on land for the purposes of human habitation exceeding 42 days consecutively of 60 days in a 12 month period (planning consent is required for use of land on more than 28 days).
An application for a site licence must be in writing. If a licence is not issued within one month, the site can operate with a licence until one is issued.
Tented site licences are issued under the Public Health Act 1936, Section 269 as amended by the Caravan Sites and Control of Development Act 1960, Section 30 which entitles the Local Authority to apply whatever conditions it deems necessary to the licence.
Please Apply using the Caravan Site License Application Form.