Licence - Caravan Site
On this page:
Caravan sites are controlled by the Caravan Sites and
Control of Development Act 1960 enforced by Local Authorities
and require planning permission and a licence unless they are owned
by the Council itself.
Once planning permission is granted, the Council must issue a
licence. The Council can attach conditions to the licence which
must be based on model conditions issued in 1989 by Central
Government. The conditions cover many different matters to ensure
that the welfare, health and safety of site residents are protected
and to restrict the possibility of nuisance to adjacent land and
property.
The Council must keep a register of all licensed sites which
must be available for public inspection at all reasonable times.
Ryedale District Council's register is kept in Housing Services,
Ryedale House, Malton YO17 7HH.
Who needs a caravan site licence?
If you are a caravan site licensee 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 to the address below
including the correct details or complete a Site Licence Form.
If you have recently become a caravan site
owner licences are transferable to a new occupier 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 or re-issue it.
If you are a potential site owner you or your
legal advisor should check that all the land used for siting
caravans has planning permission and that the details correspond
with the site licence. If you wish to change the use of the land to
a permanent caravan site use you must have planning permission
before a licence can be issued.
Regulation Summary
A summary of the regulation relating this licence
Information about licensing any caravan
site
A licence can only be issued if the site has planning consent.
An established use certificate does not give entitlement to a
licence. The consent may limit the sites 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.
How long will it take to receive the
licence?
Following receipt of the application form and any necessary
attachments including the relevant fee, you can expect to hear
from us within 60 days.
Tacit Consent applies: 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 period. If you have not heard
from us within a reasonable period please contact us. You
can do this
online if you applied through the UK Welcomes service or use
the contact details below.
Apply online
In order to make an application online, you must complete one
of the following forms:
Apply to run a caravan or camp site.
Tell us about a change to your existing
caravan or camp site.
Alternatively you may download an application form from the form
links section of this page. It must be accompanied by a site plan
at 1:2500 scale showing the layout of roads, caravans and
facilities.
Fees
There are no fees for this licence.
Why have conditions on a Licence ?
The Caravan Sites and Control of Development Act 1960 allows a
Local Authority to impose licence conditions in the interest of the
safety and comfort of persons dwelling in the caravans, or in the
surrounding area. Failure to comply with a site condition is a
criminal offence once a site licence is in force.
The conditions can include:
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The type of caravan, e.g. residential, static holiday or
touring.
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The numbers of vans on site may be limited to take into account
planning or highway considerations, so that levels of amenity or
privacy can be maintained.
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A planning condition may require seasonal use to prevent the use
of sub-standard accommodation, or to preserve the quiet amenity of
the area during closed periods.
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If four or more vans are permitted, there must be a condition
requiring a copy of the licence to be displayed on the site.
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The spacing between caravans may be conditioned, mainly for fire
considerations, but privacy and noise nuisance are also
factors.
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Road surfaces should be covered to prevent danger and dust
nuisance and to provide adequate access for emergency vehicles
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Conditions to ensure adequate water supply, toilet & washing
facilities and drainage and disposal of waste to prevent nuisance
and maintain hygiene.
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The site name must be displayed for easy identification by
emergency services.
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Conditions that ensure safe and adequate electricity supply.
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Conditions relating to fire precautions.
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Are there any exceptions?
A caravan site licence is required if a caravan is stationed on
land for the purpose of human habitation, however there are some
exceptions:
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If a caravan is sited within the curtilage of a dwelling and its
use is incidental to the dwelling. This means it cannot be occupied
separately.
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If a single caravan is sited for not more than two consecutive
nights for a maximum of 28 days in any 12 months
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If no more than three caravans are sited on a site of not less
than five acres for a maximum of 28 days in any 12 months
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If the site is occupied by an exempt organisations such as the
Caravan Club
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If a site of up to 5 caravans is certified by an exempt
organisation and which is for members only
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If the site is occupied by the Local Authority. These are
usually traveller sites.
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If the site is for temporary and special purpose use such as
caravan rallies, agricultural and forestry workers, building and
engineering sites and travelling salesmen.
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If a site is for tents only it can be used for a maximum of 28
days in any 12 months.
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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 Magistrate's 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 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 Magistrate's
Court. The appeal must be made within 28 days of the licence being
issued.
The 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 Magistrate's 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
district council.
Consumer complaints
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,
Consumer Direct will
give you advice. From outside the UK contact the
UK European Consumer Centre.
Licence - Camping Site
Licence Summary
If you allow your land to be used as a camping site by the
public for more than 42 days consecutively - or 60 days in a year -
you require a licence from the local authority.
Conditions may may be attached to a licence.
There are exceptions for organisations that hold camping
exemption certificates.
Regulation Summary
Application Evaluation Process
When an application is made it will be deemed to be made
unconditionally unless the local authority give notice that the
application is refused or conditions are attached.
How long will it take to receive the
licence?
Following receipt of the application form and any necessary
attachments, you can expect to hear from us within 60
days.
Tacit Consent applies: 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 period. If you have not heard
from us within a reasonable period please contact us. You
can do this
online if you applied through the UK Welcomes service or use
the contact details below.
Apply online
In order to make an application online, you must complete one
of the following forms:
Alternatively you may download an application form from the
forms links section.
Fees
There are no fees for this licence.
Failed application and licence holder
redress
Any applicant who is either refused a licence or wishes to
appeal against a condition of the licence can appeal to the
local Magistrates' Court, however contact us in the first
instance.
Consumer complaints
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,
Consumer Direct will
give you advice. From outside the UK contact the
UK European Consumer Centre.
Other Redress
Trade Associations