Caravan and camping sites

Conditions attached to a licence 

There are a number of conditions attached to licences for caravan and camping sites. These include:

• 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 the steps 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

Depending on the type of caravan site, the Council will have regard to the relevant model conditions:

• Document

  Model Standards 1983 - Touring Caravan Sites.pdf (PDF, 59.17KB)
• Document

  Model Standards 1989 - Holiday Caravan Sites (static caravans).pdf (PDF, 93.67KB)
• Document

  Model Standards 2008 - Permanent Residential.pdf (PDF, 406.68KB)

Mobile Homes ​Requirement for Manager to be ​a Fit and Proper Person 

The Mobile Homes (Requirement for Manager of Site to be Fit and Proper Person) (England) Regulations 2020 prohibit the use of land as a residential mobile home site unless the local authority is satisfied that the owner or manager of the site is a fit and proper person to manage the site.

By October 2021, all site owners must submit an application for a relevant person to be assessed as fit and proper persons. This requirement does not apply to non-commercial family-occupied sites.

The mobile homes fit and proper persons application form is available upon request by contacting the licensing team by email.

​Regulation Summary 

There are two key pieces of legislation in relation to the licensing of caravan and camping sites. 

More information about these pieces of legislation can be found using the links below:

• Caravan Sites and Control of Development Act 1960 
• The Mobile Homes (Requirement for Manager of Site to be Fit and Proper Person) (England) Regulations 2020 ​

Application Evaluation Process 

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

Applications must be in writing and should detail the land the application concerns and any other information required by the local authority.

Apply Online

You are able to apply for licences to run, transfer ownership or change your caravan site using the links listed below.

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

​Trade Associations

There are a number of trade associations related to the running of caravan and camping sites.

These associations provide useful information. You can find out more by visiting their sites using the links listed below.

• Association of Caravan and Camping Exempted Organisations (ACCEO)  
• British Holiday & Home Parks Association (BH&HPA)  
• Caravan Industry Training (CITO)  
• Federation of Tour Operators (FTO)  
• Group Travel Organisers Association (GTOA) 
• Hotel Marketing Association 
• National Caravan Council (NCC)

Registers

Licensing registers are available to view, by prior arrangement, at the Council Offices.

You can view the Licensing Public Register page for more information.