Application Process

The site licence is ordinarily issued automatically on application once planning permission has been obtained. There is no fee for this licence. The local authority can determine what conditions ought to be attached to the site licence.

Where the applicant already has planning permission when they provide the particulars, the local authority must issue the licence within two months of the particulars being given. If planning permission is not obtained until later, the licence must be issued within six weeks of the permission being obtained. In each case the period may be extended by written agreement between the applicant and the local authority.

Generally, there is no expiry date for a site licence. However, if the relevant planning permission is for a limited period, the site licence must expire at the same time as the planning permission.

Transfer of the site licence

If a site licence holder ceases to be the occupier of the land, they may, with the local authority’s consent, transfer the licence to the person who becomes the occupier of the land.

Power of entry

Under Section 26 (1) of the Act, authorised officers of the Authority have the right to enter, at all reasonable hours (after having given twenty-four hours’ notice) land which is used as a caravan site or in respect of an application for a site licence has been made.