Caravan and Camping Sites - Applying for a Licence

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

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.

A summary of the regulation relating to this licence

Applications for site licences are made to Torfaen County Borough Council, the local authority in whose area the land situated.

Applications must be in writing, should detail the land the application concerns and any other information required by the local authority.

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 the local authority within a reasonable period, please contact it. You can do this online if you applied through the UK Welcomes service.

If you wish to apply for a licence or change the details of an existing licence, the application for a site licence form can be downloaded here.

You are advised to take up any issue with the local authority 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.

You are advised to take up any issue with the local authority 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 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. 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.

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 will give you advice. From outside the UK contact the UK European Consumer Centre.

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

• Association of Caravan and Camping Exempted Organisations (ACCEO)
• British Holiday & Home Parks Association (BH&HPA)
• Caravan Industry Training (CITO) 
• Federation of Tour Operators (FTO) 
• Group Travel Organisers Association (GTOA) 
• National Caravan Council (NCC)