Camping licence

Apply for a licence if you want to use your land as a campsite, including trailer tents.

You must have planning permission for the campsite before you apply for a licence.

You don’t need a licence to run a campsite if:

• Forestry workers, builders, travelling showmen or seasonal workers (like fruit pickers) stay in tents on the site
• The site is 5 or more acres and there are 3 or less tents there for 28 days or less a year
• You’re a member of an organisation like the Scouts and have an exemption certificate
• Your site is approved by an organisation with a camping exemption certificate
• Members of an exempted organisation stay in their tents on the site

Change, renew or apply for a camping licence

To run a mobile home, caravan or camping site you need a licence.

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

Contact the Private Sector Housing Team

They will send you the relevant forms and give you more information about applying for a licence. The applicant must be entitled to use the land as a caravan site.

Private Sector Housing Team
Epping Forest District Council Civic Offices
323 High Street
Epping
CM16 4BZ

• Telephone 01992 564706
• Email privatesectorhousing@eppingforestdc.gov.uk

Licences will not be issued to applicants who have had a site licence revoked within 3 years of the current application.

Eligibility criteria

For a summary of the eligibility criteria for this licence – go to the Business Link website.

Application evaluation process

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

Will tacit consent apply?

No. It is in the public interest that we process your application before it’s granted. If you have not heard from us within a reasonable period, please contact us. You can do this online or use the contact details above.

Fees

Failed application redress

You are advised to take up any issue with us first.

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 us.

Licence holder redress

You are advised to take up any issue with us first.

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.

We 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 us.

Consumer complaint

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 of a letter (with proof of delivery). If that has not worked, if you are located in the UK, Advice Guide will give you advice. From outside the UK contact the UK European Consumer Centre.

Other redress

For example about noise or pollution, or should one licence holder complain about another. You can get advice from a trade association.