Regulation Summary

To run a caravan and camping site you need to apply to us for a licence. The relevant legislation governing the licence is the Caravan Sites and Control of Development Act 1960

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.

Eligibility Criteria

You 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.

Applications for site licences are made to the local authority in whose area the land is situated.

Applications must be in writing and accompanied by a site plan at 1:500 scale showing the layout.

The Council will normally issue a licence unless:

• There is no planning permission for the caravan(s), or
• The planning permission is to expire within six months, or
• The applicant has had a site licence withdrawn in the previous three years

Application Evaluation Process

We will acknowledge receipt of your application within 3 working days. If you do not hear from us within this time, please contact us.

We will process your application and, if successful, aim to issue a licence within two months of application.

If you do not supply the correct information, your application will not be processed.

Application Fee

- No charge

Apply online

You can apply for a caravan and camping site licence online:

• Apply to run a caravan site or camp site
• Tell us about a change to your existing caravan or camp site.

Will Tacit Consent Apply?

Tacit consent does not apply to applications because it is in the public interest that the authority must process your application before it can be granted. If you have not heard from us within a reasonable period, please contact us. You can do this online here if you applied through the UK Welcomes service or use the contact details below.

Failed Application Redress/Right of Appeal

If your application is unsuccessful, contact us and we will discuss your application with you.

If your application for a licence is refused, you can 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 council.

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 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.

Where can I get further information?

• Association of Caravan and Camping Exempted Organisations
• British Holiday and Home Parks Association
• British Resorts and Destinations Association
• Camping and Caravanning Club
• Caravan Industry Training
• Federation of Tour Operators
• Group Travel Organisers Association
• Hotel Marketing Association
• National Caravan Council.

Contact us

To find out more about caravan and camping site licensing, within the Borough of Runnymede, please contact:

Health and Pollution Division, Technical Services Department, Runnymede Borough Council, Runnymede Civic Centre, Station Road, Addlestone, Surrey, KT15 2AH.

Tel: 01932 425131 Fax: 01932 838384 Email: environmental.protection@runnymede.gov.uk