Campsite Licence

What Do You Need to Apply For a Campsite License?

You must have planning permission for the campsite before you apply for a license.

You Do Not Need a License to Run a Campsite If:

• Forestry workers, builders, traveling showmen or seasonal workers (like fruit pickers) stay in tents on the site.

• The site is 5 or more acres and there are 3 or fewer tents there for 28 days or less a year.

• You’re a member of an organisation like the Scouts and have an exemption certificate.

• Your site is approved by an organisation with a camping exemption certificate.

• Members of an exempted organisation stay in their tents on the site.

Restrictions

Conditions may be added on the license and these can include:

• How the site should be laid out.

• How many tents or moveable structures are allowed.

• What toilet and washing facilities should be provided.

If you disagree with the conditions, you can appeal to a local magistrate’s court. The council may change license conditions at any time but they will normally discuss any changes with you.

How to apply

• Filling out an application form and send in any information that is necessary (e.g. a plan showing things like site boundaries, where the tents are going to be put and any washing facilities) along with your form.

• You may have to pay a fee for a license.

• You can go ahead with your campsite plans if the council doesn’t reply to your application within 1 month.

Fines and penalties

You can be fined if you:

• Don’t get a license.

• Break any of your license conditions.

If you break your license conditions, your license may be withdrawn.