Licence summary
To run a caravan site or caravan & camping site within the South Hams area you need a licence from South Hams District Council. The Environmental Health Service is responsible for licensing residential, static and touring caravan and tented camping sites. However certain organisations and categories of site are exempt from licensing.

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 to 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

There is normally 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.

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

There is no fee payable for submitting a caravan site licence application or transfer.

Eligibility Criteria
The applicant must be entitled to use the land as a caravan site. A caravan site is defined by The Caravan Sites and Control of Development Act 1960 ('the Act) as 'land on which a caravan is stationed for the purposes of human habitation and land which is used in conjunction with land on which a caravan is so stationed.'

The Act requires that (subject to certain exceptions) no occupier of land shall 'cause or permit' any part of their land to be used as a caravan and/or camping site unless they hold a current site licence in respect of the land.

Site licences may only be issued after the relevant planning permission has been obtained for the site.

Licences will not be issued to applicants who have had a site licence revoked within three years of the current application.

Licensed sites need to have facilities and meet basic conditions, which include:

• water
• drainage
• toilets
• showers
• refuse
• fire precautions.

These sites are inspected from time to time by Environmental Health staff to check on standards.

Regulation summary
A summary of the regulation relating to this licence

Application evaluation process
Applications must be in writing, should detail the land the application concerns, and also detail any other information required by South Hams District Council. The information which is required is set out in the relevant application form.

To request an application form and additional information contact the Environmental Health Department on 01803 861234. See below for contact details.

Target completion time
Once South Hams District Council have received the completed application and associated supporting documents (if required) from the applicant the target completion time will be 42 days.

Will tacit consent apply?
Yes. This means that you will be able to act as though your application is granted if you have not heard from the local authority by the end of the target completion period.

Apply online
Apply for a caravan and camping site licence
Tell us about a change to your existing caravan or camp site

Failed application redress
Please contact The Licensing Department at South Hams District Council in the first instance.

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.

Licence holder redress
Please contact the Council in the first instance.

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.

South Hams 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 South Hams District Council.

Contact details
Address
The Environmental Health Department
South Hams District Council
Follaton House
Plymouth Road
Totnes
Devon
TQ9 5NE
Tel: 01803 861234
Fax: 01803 861294
Email: environmental.health@southhams.gov.uk

Public register
Click here for information on how to view the public register.

Consumer complaint
If you have a complaint about a particular site please tell us and we will look into the matter as we seek to ensure that good, safe standards for our visitors are maintained.

If you are not happy with the service the Council has provided with regard to your application, please contact the Licensing Office of the Council in the first instance, and we will try to resolve any concerns you may have.

The Council also has a formal complaints procedure. Please write to the Licensing Office at the contact address above, you may wish to send your letter by recorded delivery.

If your complaint is still not resolved, if you are located in the UK, Consumer Direct will give you advice. From outside the UK contact the UK European Consumer Centre.

Other redress
Anyone suffering nuisance due to noise, smells or similar because of a commercial premises should contact the Environmental Health Department at South Hams District Council on 01803 861234.

Trade associations

For more information on caravan sites or residential caravan parks in the South Hams please visit these websites:

Association of Caravan and Camping Exempted Organisations (ACCEO)

British Holiday & Home Parks Association Ltd

British Resorts and Destinations Association

Caravan Industry Training (CITO)

Federation of Tour Operators (FTO)

Group Travel Organisers Association (GTOA)

Hotel Marketing Association

National Caravan Council (NCC)

National Park Homes Council