To run a caravan and camping site you need a licence from the Council. The Caravan and Control of Development Act 1960 prohibits the use of land as a caravan site unless the occupier holds a site licence issued by the local authority.
There are some exceptions:
- A caravan sited with the curtilage 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 five 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 salesmen
- A site for tents only
Licence summary
The Act relating to this licence can be found on the Office of Public Sector Information website.
Licence conditions
If you are a potential applicant 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. See planning permission
Conditions will be attached to a licence which may 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
- Controlling the positioning of the caravans or regulating the use of other structures & vehicles including tents
- Water supply and drainage; lavatory and washing facilities
- Fire precautions and electrical installations
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.
Application process
Applications must be in writing, should detail the land concerned, including a site plan at 1:500 scale showing the layout of caravans, facilities and any other information required by the London Borough of Waltham Forest.
The application process starts when the completed application is submitted along with all the required information and documents requested. If the local authority spots an error or omission in the application, it can be placed on hold and the process starts from the beginning when the applicant either supplies a correction or all the information requested.
If your application cannot be determined because the Council needs more information, you will be notified, and the process will stop until the outstanding information is supplied.
Will tacit consent apply?
Yes, you should expect that the Council will determine this application within 28 days from the date on which it receives your application.
Fees
There is currently no fee for a caravan site licence.
Applying
Failed application redress
If a licence holder is refused an application to alter a condition they may appeal to the local Magistrates’ Court. The appeal must be made within 28 days of the written notification of refusal and a notice of appeal must be served on the London Borough of Waltham Forest.
Licence holder redress
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.
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, Directgov gives advice on your consumer rights. From outside the UK contact the UK European Consumer Centre.
Contact
Environmental Health and Trading Standards
Environment and Regeneration
Waltham Forest Council
Sycamore House
Forest Road
Walthamstow E17 4JF
Tel 020 8496 3000
Email wfdirect@walthamforest.gov.uk
