East Suffolk Council
Camp site licensing
This information applies to all moveable dwellings (primarily tents and motorhomes). Caravans are controlled under separate legislation.
Licence summary
Under section 269 of the Public Health Act 1936, the use of land as a camping site for more than 42 days consecutively or 60 days in total in any 12 consecutive months requires a site licence from the Council. In addition, the use of land for tented camping for more than 28 days a year normally requires an express grant of planning permission. There are exemptions from the licensing requirements and these are set out in section 269 (5) and (6) of the Public Health Act 1936.
Camping site licences will not be time limited unless planning permission is so restricted
Licences are issued with conditions that are appropriate to the site concerned. They normally relate to the layout of the site and the provision of facilities such as sanitary accommodations.
It is important that applications are supported by a layout plan showing the boundaries of the site, the proposed positions of tentage, car parking, fire fighting arrangements, sanitary facilities, refuse arrangements, water supplies and access/egress arrangements. If the plan is submitted as a paper copy please use a scale of no less than 1:500.
If you intend to have caravans on your camping site, and have planning permission to do so, you will also need a caravan site licence.
How do I apply for a licence?
How much does a licence cost?
There is no fee for this application.
How long will it take for my application to be assessed?
We aim to acknowledge your application within 3 working days. Applications will be accepted as duly made unless the Council requires further information. We will use the information that you have given us to assess your application. Once a duly made application is received, one of our officers will carry out an inspection of the site.
If the site is found to be fit for purpose you will be provided with a list of the conditions we propose to attach to your licence and, subject to your agreement, the licence will be issued as soon as possible. If we decide to refuse your application, we will provide reason for doing so and explain your rights of appeal.
There is no statutory period for determining applications, however, we aim to determine applications within 28 calendar days.
Will tacit consent apply?
Yes. You will be able to act as though your application is granted if you have not heard from us by the end of the 28 day target completion period.
What happens if something changes?
If something changes concerning your site, for example, you change the number of plots or the facilities, or the management arrangement change, you must tell us.
What can I do if my licence application is refused?
You can apply to the Magistrates Court if your application is refused or if you wish to appeal against any conditions that the local authority imposes.
Complaints and enquiries to the Council
We would always advise that in the event of a complaint the first contact is made with the camp site operator by you - preferably in the form a letter with proof of delivery. However, if you have not received a satisfactory response and you wish to make a complaint about a camp site in our districts further or have a general enquiry please contact us.