Caravan Site Licensing

There are over 50 licensed caravan sites across the Fylde. These range from touring caravan parks and static holiday home sites to permanent residential parks (often referred to as park homes), or combinations of these.

What is a Caravan?

Legally, the term caravan includes:

  • Touring caravans
  • Motorhomes
  • Static holiday homes
  • Residential park homes (which often arrive in two halves and are joined on-site)

Relevant Legislation

Several key Acts govern the licensing, operation, and management of caravan sites:

Caravan Sites and Control of Development Act 1960

  • Regulates licensing of caravan sites
  • Sets out requirements for safety, welfare, and site management

Caravan Sites Act 1968

  • Provides protection from eviction on residential sites
  • Defines maximum caravan dimensions:
    • Length: 20 metres
    • Width: 6.8 metres
    • Height: 3.05 metres

Mobile Homes Act 2013

  • Regulates the relationship between site owners and residents on protected sites (those with planning permission for permanent residential use)
  • Allows local authorities to charge fees for issuing and transferring licences.
  • Disputes under this Act may be resolved through the Residential Property Tribunal

View the Council’s Mobile Homes Fee Policy

Applying for a Site Licence

Who Can Apply?

To be eligible for a licence:

  • The applicant must have the right to use the land as a caravan site
  • The land must have valid planning permission for human habitation
  • Applicants must not have had a licence revoked within the past three years

Application Process

  • Applications must be submitted in writing to Fylde Council
  • Required documents include a site plan and any additional requested information
  • A licence will typically not have an expiry date unless the associated planning permission is time-limited
  • Our target date for issuing a licence is 42 days from application date, providing we have all supporting documents requested.

Application for a Site Licence

Transfer of Site Licence Ownership

Transfer of Ownership

If ownership of a site changes, an application must be made to transfer the site licence.

Application for Consent to Transfer a Site Licence

Amending Site Licence – Variation

If you wish to make changes on your current licence (conditions, plan, number of units / type of units), it may require approval by the Public Protection Committee. In such circumstances we will inform you of the process within the 42 day period.

Application to Vary Site Licence – Change to Units (number or type)

Application to Vary Site Licence – Conditions or Plan

Site Licence Conditions

Site licence conditions vary depending on the type of site (residential, holiday, or touring). The following may be included:

  • Restrictions on use for human habitation and number of caravans
  • Types of caravans permitted
  • Fire safety measures
  • Sanitation and maintenance standards
  • Positioning and layout of caravans

Model Standards

Model Standards for Residential Sites
Model Standards for Holiday Sites
Model Standards for Touring Sites

Fit and Proper Person Requirement

Under the Mobile Homes (Requirement for Manager of Site to be Fit and Proper Person) (England) Regulations 2020, site operators or managers must pass a Fit and Proper Person test if the site is commercially operated (e.g. units rented or sold).

Under the legislation the fit and proper person must be the person with day-to-day responsibility for managing a site, whether that is the site owner or a person appointed to undertake the task on the owner’s behalf.  Anyone applying for a new site licence, or the transfer of a site licence to a new owner, will need to apply to have themselves or the site manager included on the register.

Exemptions apply if the site is solely occupied by the owner and their family. If circumstances change (e.g. renting to the public), registration becomes necessary.

Apply to Join the Fit and Proper Person Register
View Our Fees Policy

Exemptions from Licensing

Some sites may be exempt from needing a licence. Exemptions include:

  • Caravans used for short stays
  • Sites managed by recognised caravan organisations
  • Sites for agricultural or forestry workers, and travelling showmen

Complaints and Disputes

How to Make a Complaint

We recommend first contacting the site owner or manager in writing, keeping proof of delivery. If unresolved email licensing@fylde.gov.uk

Licence Condition Appeals

If your application to amend a licence condition is refused, you may appeal to the local Magistrates Court within 28 days of receiving written notification.

Lease Park Homes
Government funded, independent advice for park home residents and residential leaseholders

Planning Permission and Caravans

Caravans used as separate, self-contained dwellings may require planning permission. However, caravans used in conjunction with a main dwelling (e.g., sharing kitchen or bathroom facilities) may not be subject to enforcement.

Residents should check property deeds for any covenants or restrictions. Planning concerns should be directed to planning@fylde.gov.uk

Choosing a Park Home

Before purchasing a park home, it is strongly recommended that you seek independent legal advice.

The Council can only provide general information about licensed sites. For further support, consult:

Fit and proper persons register
Public register of park homes and caravan sites