Caravan site licences

You need a licence from us if you want to run a caravan or mobile home site within the borough of Rugby. You also need a licence if your land will be used as a camping site for more than 42 days in a row, or 60 days or more in a single year.

We may attach restrictions on the number of caravans permitted on site, or require you to take fire safety measures or provide sanitary facilities.

You may also need planning permission. You can get advice from our planning team before you apply for a licence by calling (01788) 533759 or emailing: rbc.planning@rugby.gov.uk.

Eligibility

You must be entitled to use the land as a caravan site. We will not issue you with a licence if you have had a site licence revoked within three years of your application.

Exemptions

You do not need a licence for a caravan or mobile home if its use meets any of these criteria:

  • A caravan sited within the curtilage of a dwelling house. 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 operated and supervised by exempted organisations; e.g. such as the Caravan Club.
  • Sites of up to 5 caravans certified by an exempt organisation and which are for members only.
  • Sites occupied by a licensing authority, such as council-run sites for gypsy and traveller groups.
  • Sites occupied by exempted organisations.
  • Sites for temporary and special purposes such as caravan rallies, agricultural and forestry workers, building and engineering sites and travelling showmen.
  • A site for tents used for a maximum of 28 days in any 12 months.

Fees

The following fees apply:

  • Application: £250
  • Annual fee, 2 to 10 units: £150
  • Annual fee, 11 to 30 units: £220
  • Annual fee, 31 units or more: £300
  • Compliance notice: £300
  • Transfer of licence: £50
  • Variation of licence: £250

Appeals

If you are unhappy with the way that we decided your application you should contact us straight away. In certain circumstances you can appeal to a magistrate, but you must do this within 28 days.