Caravans & Camping

Information about caravan and camping sites.

To run a caravan and camping site, you will need a licence from the local authority. Some sites are exempt from licensing, mostly those approved by the Caravan Club, or those which are used only a few times each year.

Conditions may be attached to licences covering 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)
ensuring steps are taken to enhance the land including fire safety and fire fighting controls
ensuring adequate health and safety standards
ensuring 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 a current application.

Regulation Summary

A summary of the eligibility criteria for this licence - http://www.opsi.gov.uk/acts/acts1960/pdf/ukpga_19600062_en.pdf

Application Evaluation Process

An application for a site licence must be made to the local authority in whose area the site is situated.

Applications must be made in writing, must give details of the site concerned and any other information required by the Authority.

The Authority will carry out an inspection of the site prior to the grant of the licence. Periodic inspections will be conducted following the grant of a licence.

If you wish to apply for a site licence, complain about a site or need more information, please contact the Environmental Protection Team (01237 428810) or e-mail Environmental.Protection@torridge.gov.uk

Will Tacit Consent Apply?

No. It is in the public interest that the Authority must process your application before it can be granted. If you have not heard from us within a reasonable period, please contact us.

Applicant Appeal

Please contact us in the first instance if your application is rejected.

Licence Holder Appeal

Please contact us in the first instance if you have any problems with your licence.

A licence holder who wishes to appeal against a condition attached to a licence may appeal to the local Magistrates' Court. The appeal must be made within 28 days of the licence being issued.

The Authority may alter licence conditions at any time but must give the licence holder the opportunity to make representations about the proposed changes. If the licence holder disagrees with the alterations, they may appeal to the local Magistrates' Court. The appeal must be made within 28 days of notification of the alteration.

Consumer Complaint

If you have a complaint about a licensed caravan or camping site, we recommend that you contact the licence holder direct. If this does not work, if you are located in the UK, Consumer Direct will give you advice. From outside the UK contact the UK European Consumer Centre. Alternatively, you may make your complaint in writing to us.