Caravan site
When do I need a caravan site licence?
To run a caravan site you need a licence from the London Borough of Barnet. The purpose of the licence is to protect the health and safety of residents (both permanent and visitors) of caravan sites by requiring the site to comply with basic standards.
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
- if four or more vans are permitted on the site, there must be a condition requiring a copy of the licence to be displayed on the site
- a site licence remains in force until there is a change of owner or change in planning consent. Some sites e.g., those connected with agriculture often have time limited planning consent. When planning consent is approved a new licence will have to be applied for.
What happens if I sell the site?
Where there is a change of caravan site owner, the licence is transferable to the new owner. You should send us the licence with a request for transfer and we will either endorse it or re-issue it.
Do all caravan sites require a licence?
A caravan site licence is required if a caravan is stationed on land for the purpose of human habitation. Schedule 1 of Caravan and Control of Development Act 1960 lists the following exemptions:
- incidental to the enjoyment and within the cartilage of a dwelling house (does not apply to flats, guest houses)
- single caravan, for a maximum of two nights, and a maximum of twenty eight days in twelve months
- a maximum of three caravans for twenty eight days in twelve months on holdings of five acres or more
- sites occupied and supervised by exempted organisations
- up to five caravans on sites certified by exempted organisations
- a meeting organised by exempted organisation lasting for not more than five days
- seasonal use by agricultural and forestry workers
- building and engineering site workers at or adjoining the site
- travelling showmen
- sites occupied by the council
- gypsy sites occupied by county or regional councils
Is planning permission required?
The applicant must have the correct planning permission to use the land as a caravan site. An established use certificate does not give entitlement to a licence. Licences will not be issued to applicants who have had a site licence revoked within three years of the current application.
How do I apply for a licence?
An application for a caravan site licence must be in writing and must specify the land it relates to. It must also contain prescribed particulars and be on the standard application form. There is currently no fee for a Caravan Site Licence but this is in the process of being reviewed.
Tell us about a change to your existing caravan and/or camp site
For more information please contact 0208 359 7995, or email us.
Will the conditions ever change?
The London Borough of Barnet 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 London Borough of Barnet.
Will tacit consent apply?
Yes. Once a valid application is received if you have not heard from the London Borough of Barnet within two months of submitting your application you will be able to act as though your application is granted. The site can then operate without a licence until one is issued.
Failed application redress
You are advised to take up any issue with the London Borough of Barnet 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 London Borough of Barnet.
Licence holder redress
You are advised to take up any issue with the London Borough of Barnet 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.
What if I am not happy with the service?
If you have a complaint about the service that you have received from the Private Sector Housing Team you should contact the Private Sector Housing Manager on 020 8359 7995 (Lisa Morrow - Mondays and Tuesdays or Belinda Livesey - Thursdays and Fridays).
Contacts
Housing Conditions
2 Bristol Avenue
Colindale
NW9 4EW
Telephone: 0208 359 7995