Camping and caravan sites licences
Ealing Council has a duty to issue caravan site licences to all caravan sites within the borough, providing that the applicant has valid planning permission. The council encourages good standards at the caravan sites for the pleasure and enjoyment of the community as well as tourists who visit the area.
The use of land as a caravan site requires a caravan site licence. However, there are some exceptions with conditions attached to the licence. If site licence conditions are breached, the council is able to take enforcement action. Reasonable time scales will be allowed for each contravention to be put right.
Site licence conditions are designed to protect the health, safety and welfare of caravan occupants and covers such issues as, drainage, distances between caravans etc.
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 to 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
Caravan Sites and Control of Development Act 1960
Application evaluation process
Applications for site licences are made to the council in whose area the land is situated.
Applications must be in writing, should detail the land the application concerns and any other information required by the council.
What happens if your application is not processed by the council within the timescales stated?
Tacit consent applies, which means that you will be able to act as though your application is granted if you have not heard from the council by the end of the target completion period.
Apply online
Apply to run a caravan site or camp site
Application to change a caravan and camping site licence
Failed application redress
You are advised to take up any issue with the council first.
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 the refusal and a notice of appeal must be served on the local district council.
Licence holder redress
You are advised to take up any issue with the council 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 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 district 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 by letter (with proof of delivery). If that has not worked and you are located in the UK, Consumer Direct will give you advice. From outside the UK contact the UK European Consumer Centre.
Trade associations
Association of Caravan and Camping Exempted Organisations (ACCEO)
British Holiday & Home Parks Association (BH&HPA)
British Resorts and Destinations Association
Federation of Tour Operators (FTO)
Group Travel Organisers Association (GTOA)
Hotel Marketing Association
National Caravan Council (NCC)
For more information and advice please contact us.