Licences for caravan sites

• Apply for a caravan and camping site licence
• Apply for a change to your existing caravan and camping site licence

Licence summary

To run a caravan site, you need a licence from the local authority. The number caravans that may be accommodated will be specified on the licence along with other specific conditions.

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

Eligibility criteria

The applicant 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.

Regulation summary

A summary of the eligibility criteria for this licence

Application evaluation process

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

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

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 the local authority by the end of the target completion period

Apply online

• Apply for a caravan and camping site licence
• Apply for a change to your existing caravan and camping site licence

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 Magistrates Court or, in Scotland, the Sheriff. 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 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 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.

Consumer complaint

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, Citizens Advice will give you advice. From outside the UK contact the UK European Consumer Centre.

Other redress

Complaints about noise, pollution, etc should be made to the local council.

Trade associations

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

Contact

We are open Monday to Thursday - 9am to 5.15pm and Friday 9am to 5pm

If you have any questions or would like any advice please contact us:

Telephone: 020 8545 3969 
Email: licensing@merton.gov.uk
Fax: 020 8831 6404