LICENCE SUMMARY
To run a caravan site you need a licence from Derry City and Strabane District Council.
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
Applications must be made in writing and are subject to a fee as detailed in the on line application form.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
An application for a site licence can be made by the occupier of the land to the district council who govern the area where the land is situated.
There must also be relevant Planning Permission in force for the land in question.
Licences will not be given to applicants who have had a site licence revoked within three years of the current application.
A licence is no longer valid once the licence holder no longer is entitled to be the occupier of the land. The licence must be transferred to the new occupier except that a licence cannot be transferred to someone who has had a site licence revoked within the previous three years.
REGULATION SUMMARY
Licence Conditions for Caravan Sites
Licence Conditions for Residential Caravan Sites
APPLICATION EVALUATION PROCESS
Applications for site licences are made to Derry City and Strabane District Council or 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 Derry City and Strabane District Council.
Once issued, a site licence will be subject to terms and conditions which may require the periodic provision of other certification (for example in relation to electrical testing, testing of fire alarm and emergency lighting systems).
WILL TACIT CONSENT APPLY?
For Grant Applications: Yes. On receipt of an application, all supporting documentation and certification, and evidence that there is planning permission a Caravan Site Licence will be issued within two months. This means that you will be able to act as though your application is granted if you have not heard from the local authority within this two month period. However, the applicant and the council can agree that a longer period shall be afforded to grant the licence where necessary.
For applications to alter conditions of licence: No. You may not assume that a condition has been altered until you have been notified as such by the Council. If the council has not determined the application within two months of receipt of the application to alter conditions then the application is deemed to be refused.
FORMS TO DOWNLOAD, PRINT OR POST
Caravan Site Licence Application Form
FAILED APPLICATION REDRESS
Please contact Derry City and Strabane 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. Appeals against refusals of alterations to conditions relating to the dates and periods caravans may be on the site may be made to the Department of the Environment. The appeal must be made within 28 days of the written notification of the refusal.
LICENCE HOLDER REDRESS
Please contact Derry City and Strabane District Council in the first instance.
If a licence holder objects to a condition attached to their licence, they may appeal to the local Magistrates' court for the area where the land is situated. Appeals must be made within 28 days of the licence being issued and a notice of the appeal must be served to the district council. Appeals can also be made to the Department of the Environment within 28 days of the licence being issued.
The 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 the local district council. Appeals against conditions relating to the dates and periods caravans may be on the site may be made to the Department of the Environment. The appeal must be made within 28 days of the written notification of the alteration.
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 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
Any complaints about how a licensed site is run or operated should be made directly to the Environmental Health Department on 028 71253253, or email [email protected] .
TRADE ASSOCIATIONS
Association of Caravan and Camping Exempted Organisations www.acceo.co.uk
British Holiday & Home Parks Association (BH&HPA)
Caravan Industry Training (CITO)
National Caravan Council (NCC)
CONTACT DETAILS
Telephone: 028 71253253
E-mail: [email protected]
Environmental Health Department
Derry City and Strabane District Council
- 98 Strand Road, Derry, BT48 7NN
- 47 Derry Road, Strabane, BT82 8DY