Caravan site licences

Introduction

The Caravan Sites and Control of Development Act 1960 requires land to be used as a caravan site to be licensed by the local authority. A licence is necessary for the protection of public health and safety, to ensure that health and safety regulations are adhered to; e.g. adequate amenities are provided and fire precautions are in place.

A caravan site includes anywhere a caravan (including mobile or ‘park’ home) is situated and occupied for human habitation including touring sites and single sites.

Exemptions listed under Schedule 1 of the Caravan Sites Act:

• A caravan sited within the cartilage of a dwelling and its use is incidental to the dwelling. This means it 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 five acres for a maximum of 28 days in any 12 months.
• Sites occupied by exempted organisations such as the Caravan Club.
• Sites of up to 5 caravans certified by an exempt organisation and which are for members only.
• Sites occupied by the local authority – these are usually gypsy sites.
• Sites for temporary and special purposes such as caravan rallies, agricultural and forestry workers, building and engineering sites and travelling salesman.
• A site for tents can only be used for a maximum of 28 days in any 12 months.

Licence conditions

Licences have conditions which include:

• The type of caravan e.g. residential, static holiday or touring
• The permitted density (the number per acre/hectare) and the spacing between caravans
• Water supply and drainage; lavatory and washing facilities
• Fire precautions and electrical installations

Licence conditions do not cover issues that relate to the agreement between site owner and occupier. Shropshire Council does have powers to take action against site owners who harass or illegally evict site occupiers.

Planning

Planning permission must be sought and granted before the council will consider an application for a caravan site licence. An established use certificate does not give entitlement to a licence. Planning 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 will contain these same restrictions. [link to planning]

Applying for a caravan site licence

An application for a caravan site licence must be in writing and must specify the land it relates to, it must also contain prescribed particulars and preferably be on the standard application form. It must be accompanied by a site plan at 1:1500 scale showing the layout of roads, caravans and facilities. If the licence is not issued within two months, the site can operate without a licence until one is issued.

If you are a caravan site owner/manager

You should have a licence already but you should check that your name, the site name and address is correct and up to date. Also check that the licence corresponds with your planning permission. If not, you should send us the licence for re-issue.

If you have recently become a caravan site owner/manager

Licences are transferable to a new owner but the law requires us to give consent for the transfer. You should send us the licence with a request for transfer and we will either endorse it or re-issue it.

Attached to this page you will find notes and an application form relating to licences for caravan sites.

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