Licensing of caravan sites

Caravan and camping site licence - how to apply

This information complies with the new EU Services Directive that came into effect on 28 December 2009. This new directive aims to make it easier for businesses to set up or offer their services anywhere in the EU and apply and pay on-line for a licence. The directive covers a wide variety businesses including accountants, builders, food services, and leisure services.

Other services such as education, health, transport, planning, gambling, taxis and social services do not fall within the scope of the directive.

Licence summary

To run a caravan and camping site you need a licence from the local authority.  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 regulation relating to this licence

Application Evaluation Process

Applications for site licences are made to Northampton Borough Council, in whose area the land situated.

Applications must be in writing, should detail the land the application concerns and any other information required by Northampton Borough Council.

There is currently no fee for a Caravan Site Licence.

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 Northampton Borough Council by the end of the target completion period.

An application period of 21 calendar days is required.

Apply online

Apply to run a caravan site or camp site

Tell us about a change to your existing caravan or camp site

Failed Application Redress

You are advised to take up any issue with Northampton Borough Council  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 Northampton Borough Council .

Licence Holder Redress

You are advised to take up any issue with Northampton Borough Council  first.

If a licence holder wishes to appeal against a condition attached to a licence they may appeal to the local Magistrates' Court or, in Scotland, the Sheriff. The appeal must be made within 28 days of the licence being issued.

The local 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 Magistrates' court or, in Scotland, the Sheriff. The appeal must be made within 28 days of the written notification of the alteration and a notice of appeal must be served on Northampton Borough 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 Bureau can give you advice. From outside the UK contact the UK European Consumer Centre.

Other Redress

E.g. about noise, pollution, etc. Also should one licence holder complain about another.

Trade Associations

Association of Caravan and Camping Exempted Organisations (ACCEO)

British Holiday & 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