A licence is required from the local authority if a camp site is used for more than 42 consecutive days or for more than 60 days in any consecutive 12 months.
Camping Site Licences are issued under the Public Health Act 1936 and conditions are attached.
It should be noted that the use of the land for a camping site for more than 28 days in total of any calendar year will give rise to the need to obtain planning permission.
Regulation Summary
A Summary of Caravan Site Licensing (external link) has been produced by the National Archives, and this includes information on camp sites.
Tacit Consent
Tacit consent does not apply to Camping Site Licences.
It is in the public interest that we process your application before it can be granted.
If you have not heard from us within a reasonable period, please contact us. You can do this online if you applied the gov.uk website or use the contact details below.
How to Apply
You can apply for an Camping Site Licence in two ways:
- By downloading our Caravan and Camping Licence Application Form (pdf) and returning it to us at the address below.
- Because this Licence is covered by the EU Services Directive, you can also apply online through the gov.uk website. Apply Online for a Camp Site Licence (external link)
Failed Application Redress
Please contact us in the first instance.
Any applicant who is refused a licence can appeal to their local Magistrates’ court.
Licence Holder Redress
Please contact us in the first instance.
Any licence holder who wishes to appeal against a condition attached to their licence can appeal to their local Magistrates’ court.
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 gov.uk can offer advice on Consumer Protection Rights (external link)
Trade Associations
You may find the following organisations useful:
British Holiday & Home Parks Association (BH&HPA) (external link)
British Resorts and Destinations Association (external link)
Caravan Industry Training (external link)
Federation of Tour Operators (external link)
Group Travel Organisers Association (external link)