Caravan and camp site licences

The Caravan and Control of Development Act 1960 makes it illegal to use land for a caravan site without an appropriate a site licence issued by the local authority. Amber Valley Borough Council's housing team provides licences for touring, static holiday or residential caravan sites within the borough. We can also help anyone who wishes to make a complaint about standards on a caravan or camp site.

Applying for a caravan site licence - Applications can be obtained from Environmental Services Housing Team, Po Box 17 Town Hall Ripley DE5 3TU

If you are the new owner of an existing caravan site, you will need to apply for the licence to be transferred from the previous owner to your name. The previous owner must confirm in writing to us that that they agree to do this.

Licence conditions - Caravan and camp site licences are usually issued with conditions which relate to:

• the type of caravan site (residential, static holiday or touring);
• the number of caravans allowed per hectare (called the permitted density);
• the spacing between caravans;
• water supply, drainage, lavatory and washing facilities; fire precautions and electrical installations.

If you are considering buying an existing caravan site you must make sure you are satisfied that the site complies with with any conditions related to the planning consent for the site.

Exemptions - You do not need a caravan or camp site licence for the following:

• A caravan kept within the grounds of a house. To be exempt from needing a licence, the caravan cannot be occupied separately to the house.
• A single caravan sited in the same place for not more than two consecutive nights, up to a maximum of 28 days in any 12 months.
• Up to three caravans on a site of not less than five acres for a maximum of 28 days in any 12 months.
• Sites occupied by exempted organisations such as the Caravan Club. Sites of up to five caravans certified by an exempt organisation and which are for members only.
• Sites for temporary purposes such as caravan rallies, agricultural and forestry workers, building and engineering sites and travelling salesmen.
• A site for tents will be used for a maximum of 28 days in any 12 months.