The Caravan and Control of Development Act 1960 prohibits the use of land as a caravan site unless the occupier holds a licence issued by the local authority. The number of caravans permitted on the site will be specified in the licence along with specific conditions designed to provide adequate standards of amenities, facilities for user and to protect their health and safety.
To run a caravan site, applicants:
- Must be entitled to use the land as a caravan site and obtain the necessary planning permission.
- Must not have had a site licence revoked within 3 years of the current application.
What types of caravan site licence are needed?
Sites licensed for year round occupation, including sites with residential mobile homes
Following the introduction of a new licensing scheme in May 2017, these sites are licenced under the Caravan Sites and Control of Development Act 1960 Part 1A. Licenses previously issued under Part 1 of the Act expire on 1 May 2019. For detailed information on the new scheme and how to apply for a licence please see Permanent Residential Caravan Sites.
Touring, holiday and sites not licensed for year-round occupation
These sites are licenced under the Caravan Sites and Control of Development Act 1960 Part 1.
Licence Conditions
Licences have conditions which may include:
- 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 e.g. residential, static holiday or touring.
- Controlling the positioning of the caravans or regulating the use of other structures and vehicles including tents
- Requiring steps to be taken to enhance the land, including planting/replanting, bushes or trees
- Ensuring that sanitary and other facilities, services and equipment are supplied and maintained.
Fire safety is no longer included in the site licensing regime, but all sites are still required to comply with current Fire Safety legislation. The responsibility for enforcement of Fire Safety on caravan sites rests with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.