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CLs need no site licence or formal planning permission, but are covered by the Caravan Sites and Control of Development Act 1980

The law indicates that no more than 5 caravans may be accommodated on the site at any one time. If you have more than that then you need planning permission.

Phil

Quote: Originally posted by cwdc56768 on 09/9/2011

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<SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: Arial; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang=EN>The law indicates that no more than 5 caravans may be accommodated on the site at any one time. If you have more than that then you need planning permission. </SPAN>

<SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: Arial; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang=EN></SPAN><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: Arial; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><o:p>Phil</o:p></SPAN>

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I think that every experienced caravanner knows that Cls can only have five vans. They may not know what the legal provisions are.

Schedule 1 of The Caravan Sites and Control of Development Act 1960 details cases where a Caravan Site Licence and planning permission is not required. It mentions exempted organisations certificating sites. The CC is an exempt organistaion. Schedule 1 paragraph 5 refers to the 5 caravan principle.

So if you regularly have 7 vans on your CL, as indicated at some sites by Tigermouse, then they need planning permission and a site licence.

Phil

Phil -

I know you are correct but I think unless someone reports\complains there is no "policing" of the rules or anything like random checks.

Without naming any sites my experience is more than five vans at a time, long tem (seasonal) pitches and no checking of membership are all common occurances.

regards

Tony

You would be amazed at just how quickly a Local Authority can find out about breaches of planning. There is always at least one soul living close by who doesn't like something, caravans in this case, and they report it.

Phil

Quote: Originally posted by cwdc56768 on 09/9/2011

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You would be amazed at just how quickly a Local Authority can find out about breaches of planning. There is always at least one soul living close by who doesn't like something, caravans in this case, and they report it.

Phil

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Jealousy can creep in. If one farmer complies with the law and the next door farm doesn't. It happens

Now here is a thought is 5 vans still the right number for a CL? The law limiting CLs to that number is 61 years old. The world has moved on. Is there an argument for the CC to push the Government for a change in the law?

If, as has been suggested, many a CL have more than 5 on a regular basis maybe a revue should be implemented. Can you stimulate rural economies, whilst retaining the secluded peaceful charm of CLs by increasing the numbe of vans allowed?

Phil

There is an issue. If many CL owners break the rules then maybe the CC will lose their priveleged status over Cls and a law change will mean that they will all require planning permission and a licence. More cost to the site owners and increased fees for the caravanners. So there is an incentive to keep to the letter of the law.

Now, before anyone pops back on to say that they won't change the law just because a few let 7 vans on, did you know that the Government is reviewing caravan site laws?They only review when they think something needs tightening up.

Here are a couple of proposlas

1. To increase the fine for operating without a licence (which is what you do when you have 7 vans on a CL) from £2500 to £20,000. A response from some consultees (Local Authorities)  suggested that it should be as high as £50,000

2. To change the law on enforcement. At present Councils do not have to inspect, however it is proposed to make it mandatory to undertake regular inspections.

This review is taking ages. If they ever get around to the changes then the 7 van sites will suddenly drop to the legal requirement. Maybe site owners should start now and get into the habit. Caravanners could play their part. If we encourage site owners to let more on then those reviewing the law will see evidence of licence breaches. Big Brother is watching

Phil