Private Sector Housing - Park Home/Mobile Home/Camping Frequently Asked Questions
What is the background to mobile park home sites?
Are there any controls over mobile home and caravan sites?
How do I know if I need a licence?
Are there any controls on camping?
What is the background to mobile home sites?
In many cases modern day 'park home' sites have evolved from residential caravan sites established shortly after the second world war to ease the serious housing shortages which existed at that time. Such sites have become increasingly popular in recent years, particularly with older people, because of the high cost of conventional housing in the area. Modern park homes, whether 'single' or 'twin' units (delivered to the site in two sections and bolted together), can provide relatively low cost accommodation.
Originally, controls over residential sites were necessary to protect residents from the public health aspects associated with inadequate water supplies, sanitary facilities, drainage and environmental pollution. These traditional problems have been largely overcome but there is still a need to monitor health and safety issues, especially the prevention and control of fire.
Licences are issued under the provisions of the Caravan Sites Control and Development Act 1960, there are a few exemptions, but in most cases it is illegal to use any land as a caravan site unless it has a licence and planning permission. Further information on Park Home and Caravan sites is available by contacting Private Sector Housing on (01730) 234334 or pshousing@easthants.gov.uk
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Are there any controls over Mobile Home and caravan sites?
Yes, The Caravan Sites and control of development Act 1960 prohibits the use of any land as a caravan site unless it has a licence. The licence is issued by the Private Sector Housing Team of EHDC. Conditions covering fire safety precautions and other matters relating to the site are usually attached to licences. Residents are also protected under the terms of the Mobile Homes Act 1983, The Housing Act 2004 and civil law. Further information concerning the process of applying for a licence is available from the Private Sector Housing team on (01730) 234334 or the Government's mobile home webpages:
http://www.communities.gov.uk/housing/rentingandletting/parkhomes
Other useful websites for caravan/mobile home residents and owners are:
http://naphr.org/?gclid=COjMmq3m1YkCFRFjMAodFEO92w and http://www.iphas.co.uk
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How do I know if I need a licence?
If you have planning permission to use a piece of land as a caravan site you will usually need a licence,however, there are certain exemptions listed under the Caravan Sites Control and Development Act 1960. These include use by a person travelling with a caravan for one or two nights, Sites approved by exempted organisations and agricultural and forestry workers. The licence will run in parallel with the planning permission and if this is for a temporary period the licence will also be for this period. The council will put conditions on a licence which will identify what you need to do in order to meet safety standards around the mobile home, these are based around separation spaces between homes and other dwellings, fire points and roadways and access and egress for emergency vehicles. If you would like further information please contact the private sector housing team on (01730) 234334.
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Are there any controls on camping?
Campsites, like mobile home parks, may be subject to certain controls, although under different legislation. Subject to certain exemptions, the Council has certain powers under section 269 of the Public Health Act 1936 to control camping activities. The Council can issue a licence to use land as a site for moveable dwellings (i.e. tents) and can attach conditions to the licence. Planning permission may also be required for the use of land as a tent site.
Exemptions from the requirements of the Act.
Again, as with caravans, there are some exemptions from the requirements of the Act. A licence is not required if the land is used for camping purposes for no more than 42 consecutive days and no more than 60 days in any 12 consecutive months.
Additionally, certain organisations e.g. Boy Scouts Association, Girl Guides Association etc. have been granted exemption certificates by the Department for the Environment Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). The granting of such a certificate has the same effect as if a licence had been issued. The licence is valid for 5 years.
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