There are approximately 28,000 caravans in the District, the highest concentration in Europe. A number of sites are exempt from licensing by the Local Authority however approximately 300 sites are licensed by the Environmental Protection Section. Work is currently being undertaken to prioritise inspections for each of these sites. Other associated work includes

1. Investigating complaints about caravan sites.
2. Awarding points to housing applicants living in caravans.
3. Planning issues.
4. Authorisation to extend or modify residential units.
5. Enforcing site licence conditions.

These factors have a direct impact on the environment for residents, visitors and businesses in the area.

Caravan Site Licensing

If you wish to use an area of land as a caravan site you must obtain a site licence under the Caravan Sites and Control of Development Act 1960. The site licence is issued by the Environmental Protection Service. The site will normally also require planning permission. For an on-line application form please click here. Alternatively please contact the environmental protection service on (01507) 601111 for further information. 

There are some exemptions from the requirement of licencing, outlined below:

• A caravan sited with the curtilage of a dwelling and its use is incidental to the dwelling. This means it cannot be occupied separately.
• A single caravan sited for not more than two consecutive nights for a maximum of 28 days in any 12 months.
• Up to three caravans on a site of not less than five acres for a maximum of 28 days in any 12 months.
• Sites occupied by exempted organisations such as the Caravan Club.
• Sites of up to five caravans certified by an exempt organisation and which are for members only.
• Sites occupied by the local authority. These are usually gypsy sites.
• Sites for temporary and special purposes such as caravan rallies, agricultural and forestry workers, building and engineering sites and travelling salesmen.
• A site for tents only can be used for a maximum of 28 days in any 12 months.

Licences have a number of conditions that are dependant on the type of site e.g. touring caravan parks, residential parks or seasonal holiday home parks. To view a copy of the standard conditions, please click on the appropriate link below.

Seasonal caravan parks

Touring caravan parks

Residential caravan parks

Extended occupation of static parks

Regular inspections are made by the Environmental Protection Service to ensure compliance with the site licence conditions.

If you need to apply for a licence please contact Environmental Services on (01507) 601111; email EnvironmentalProtection@e-lindsey.gov.uk to requst an application form or click here for an on-line application form. We are always willinging to discuss any queries or concerns or offer help with filling in your application form.

Licences are transferable to a new occupier but the law requires the local authority to give consent for the transfer. The occupier should send the licence with a request for transfer and the local authority will either endorse or re-issue it. To apply to transfer a caravan site licence, please contact Environmental Services on (01507) 601111, email EnvironmentalProtection@e-lindsey.gov.uk or click here for an on-line application form.

If you are a caravan site occupier - you should have a licence already but you should check that your name, the site name and address is correct and up to date. Also check that the licence corresponds with your planning permission. If not, you should send us the licence for re-issue.

If you have recently become a caravan site occupier - licences are transferable to a new occupier but the law requires us to give consent for the transfer. You should send us the licence with a request for transfer and we will either endorse or re-issue it.

If you are a potential site occupier - you or your legal advisor should check that all the land used for siting caravans has planning permission and that the details correspond with the site licence. If you wish to change the use of the land to a permanent caravan site use you must have planning permission before a licence can be issued.

Applying for a licence - an application must be in completed accompanied by a scaled site plan showing the layout of roads, caravans and facilities. Applying for a licence is free.