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Camping and caravan sites

To use a caravan and/or camping site in Darlington you need a licence. You can get this from Darlington Borough Council.
 
Conditions may apply to a licence to cover any of the following:
  • Limiting when caravans can be on the site for human lodging.
  • Limiting the number of caravans that can be on site at once.
  • Regulating the types of caravans on the site.
  • Balancing the use of tents and other structures or vehicles with the placement of caravans.
  • To ensure the steps taken to enhance the land, including planting/replanting bushes and trees.
  • Fire safety and fire fighting controls.
  • To make sure that facilities are sanitary, services are offered and equipment maintained.

Eligibility criteria

The applicant must qualify to use the land as a caravan site. A licence will not be granted to those who have had a site licence revoked within the last three years.

Caravan Sites and Control of Development Act 1960 [external link] 

An application for a site licence must be made to the local authority in whose area the land is located.
 
A written application must include:
  • The land the application would like to use
  • Any extra information the local authority ask for

Will tacit consent apply?

Yes. If we don't get back to you within 21 days, you can act as though your application has been approved.

How to apply

We aim to recognise your application within three working days. If you have applied online we will acknowledge your application via email. You have the option of applying online or by downloading an application form

Fees

Fees are payable for certain residential sites classed as relevant protected sites under the Mobile Homes Act 2013. 

  • application for a new site licence
  • the annual site inspection (fee charged per pitch)
  • transfer of licence
  • amendment of licence conditions
  • depositing site rules with the council

The fees apply to sites that are only residential and for mixed holiday and residential use. However, the annual charge per pitch applies only to the residential units.

Public register of deposited site rules

Site rules are different to site licence conditions. They are put in place by the owner of a site to ensure acceptable standards are maintained. This will benefit the occupiers and help bring more community cohesion on the site.

Apply online

Apply for a caravan and camping site licence [external link]

Download an application form

If you'd prefer to download an application form, please download the document below. Once completed return it to us using the contact details below.

Failed application redress

You are advised to take up any issue with us in the first instance using the contact details below. If they are refused an application to change a condition, those with a license may appeal in the local Magistrates Court. The appeal must be made within 28 days of the written alert of refusal. The notice of appeal must be served on Darlington Borough Council.

Licence holder redress

You are advised to take up any issue with us in the first instance using the contact details below. If a licence holder wants to appeal against a condition attached to a licence, they may appeal to the local Magistrates Court [external link]

The appeal must be made within 28 days of the licence being issued.
 
Darlington Borough Council may change conditions at any time, but must give licence holders the chance to make sense of the planned changes. If a licence holder disagrees with the alterations they may appeal to the local magistrates court.
 
The appeal must be made within 28 days of the written notice of the alteration. Then a notice of appeal must be served on Darlington Borough Council.

Consumer complaint

When making a complaint, we advise to contact the trader first. This best written in the form of a letter (with proof of delivery). If that has not worked, if you are located in the UK, Consumer Direct will give you advice. From outside the UK contact the UK European Consumer Centre.

Fit and proper register

Darlington Borough Council publishes a register of fit and proper people.

These people are fit and proper to manage a licensed caravan or mobile home site.

Register of fit and proper persons [pdf document].

Relevant legislation

The Mobile Homes (Requirement for Manager of Site to be Fit and Proper Person) (England) Regulations 2020 [external link].

Trade associations

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