Caravan Park Compliance Requirements Explained
Running a caravan or holiday park in the UK comes with a wide range of regulatory responsibilities. From site licensing and planning conditions to fire safety, electrical checks and consumer‑law obligations, operators must navigate a complex framework designed to protect guests, owners and the wider community. Understanding these rules is essential not only for legal compliance but also for maintaining high standards, avoiding enforcement action and safeguarding the long‑term reputation of your park.
This guide provides a clear, structured overview of the main compliance areas every UK park operator needs to understand, along with the common pitfalls that lead to regulatory issues.
What Is a Caravan Park Licence?
A caravan site licence is a legal document issued by your local authority that sets out the conditions under which a park can operate. It typically covers:
- Maximum number of units permitted
- Spacing distances and layout requirements
- Fire‑safety provisions
- Waste‑management expectations
- Maintenance of roads, lighting and communal areas
- Seasonal occupancy rules
You may also require planning permission which may restrict year‑round use. Your caravan park licence cannot override it.
When a Licence Is Required
A site licence is required if:
- Caravans or lodges are stationed on land for human habitation
- The park operates for holiday use, residential use or mixed use
- Units remain on site for more than 28 days in a calendar year
Exemptions are limited and typically apply only to small, temporary or agricultural sites. Most commercial holiday parks must hold a valid licence at all times.
You do not need a licence to run a caravan site if:
- forestry workers, builders, travelling showmen or seasonal workers (like fruit pickers) stay in caravans on the site
- the site is 5 or more acres and there are 3 or less caravans there for 28 days or less a year
- you’re a member of an organisation like a caravan club and have a caravan exemption certificate
- your site is approved by an organisation with a caravan exemption certificate
- members of an exempted organisation stay in their caravans on the site
- your site is used for a social get-together of caravan club members (a ‘rally’)
Operator Responsibilities Under a Licence
Park operators must comply with all conditions set out in their licence, including:
1. Fire Safety
- Maintaining fire points and extinguishers
- Ensuring correct spacing between units
- Providing clear evacuation routes
- Conducting regular fire‑risk assessments
(See: Fire Safety Regulations for Holiday Parks)
2. Gas & Electrical Safety
- Annual gas‑safety checks for park‑owned units
- Periodic electrical installation inspections
- Safe operation of communal facilities
(See: Electrical Safety Obligations for Caravan Parks)
3. Health & Safety
- Risk assessments for playgrounds, pools and public areas
- Water hygiene and legionella control
- Safe maintenance of roads, lighting and pathways
(See: Health & Safety Responsibilities of Park Operators)
4. Consumer‑Law Compliance
If the park sells caravans or lodges, operators must follow consumer‑protection law, including:
- Clear, fair pitch‑licence agreements
- Transparent pricing
- Accurate sales information
- Fair‑trading practices
Local Authority Role & Inspections
Local authorities are responsible for:
- Issuing and renewing site licences
- Inspecting parks for compliance
- Investigating complaints
- Enforcing licence conditions
Inspections may be scheduled or unannounced. Authorities can issue improvement notices, vary licence conditions or, in serious cases, prosecute operators who fail to comply.
Common Compliance Issues
The most frequent problems identified during inspections include:
- Units placed too close together
- Poorly maintained fire‑safety equipment
- Inadequate electrical testing records
- Non‑compliant pitch‑licence agreements
- Failure to meet planning‑permission restrictions
- Poor water‑hygiene management
- Misleading sales practices
These issues often arise from outdated documentation, inconsistent staff training or lack of regular internal audits.
Key Takeaways for Park Operators
- A site licence is a legal requirement for most UK caravan and holiday parks.
- Operators must comply with all licence conditions, planning rules and safety regulations.
- Fire, gas, electrical and water‑hygiene safety are core responsibilities.
- Local authorities carry out inspections and can take enforcement action.
- Regular internal audits and staff training help prevent compliance failures.
- Other licences and permits will be required to sell alcohol, food, offer entertainment, gaming or gambling
Understanding and managing compliance is essential for protecting your business, your guests and your long‑term reputation.
Specialist legal advice may be advisable.
Find out more and apply for a licence at https://www.gov.uk/find-licences/caravan-site-licence
