Watford Borough Council

The occupier of any land cannot use their land as a caravan site unless they hold a valid site licence under the Caravan Sites and Control of Development Act 1960. The land must have planning permission for use as a caravan site.

A caravan is any structure, designed or adapted for human habitation, which is capable of being moved from one place to another (towed or transported), provided its dimensions, when assembled, do not exceed 18m in length, 6m wide and 3m high.

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

Application criteria

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 situated.

Applications must be in writing, should detail the land the application concerns and any other information required by the council.

It is in the public interest that the authority must process your application before it can be granted. If you have not heard from the local authority within a reasonable period, please contact it. You can do this online if you applied through the UK Welcomes service or contact Environmental Health on 01923 278503 or email envhealth@watford.gov.uk.

The council may alter conditions at any time but must give licence holders the opportunity to make representations about the proposed changes.

Apply online

Apply for a caravan or camp site licence

Application to transfer a caravan site or camp site licence

Notify changes to existing caravan site or camp site licences

Appeals

If a licence holder is refused an application to alter a condition they may appeal to the local Magistrates' court within 28 days of the written notification of the refusal and a notice of appeal being served on the council.

If a licence holder wishes to appeal against a condition attached to a licence or a condition altered on a licence they may appeal to the local Magistrates' Court within 28 days of the licence being issued.

Consumer complaints

We would always advise that in the event of a complaint the first contact is made with the trader by you - preferably in the form a letter (with proof of delivery). If that has not worked, if you are located in the UK, Consumer Direct will give you advice. From outside the UK contact the UK European Consumer Centre.