Before you apply
Cumberland Council licenses and regulates just over 30 residential caravan and park home sites across the site and 180 commercial caravan sites in the leisure sector.
Who needs a site licence
You must have a site licence if you operate a:
- residential park home site
- holiday or touring caravan site (in some cases)
- Gypsy or Traveller site (in some cases)
You also need planning permission before applying for a licence.
Why a licence is needed
A site licence helps make sure the site is safe and well-managed. It covers things like:
- the distance between homes
- safe drainage, electricity and water supplies
- overall site layout and conditions
Where a licence is not required
You do not need a site licence if:
- the site is used by forestry workers, builders, travelling showmen or seasonal workers (such as fruit pickers) staying in caravans or tents
- the site is 5 acres or more and has no more than 3 caravans or tents for 28 days or less in a year
- you’re a member of an organisation (such as a caravan club or the Scouts) with an exemption certificate
- your site is approved by an organisation with a caravan or camping exemption certificate
- members of an exempted organisation stay in caravans or tents
- the site is used for a social event organised by an exempt group
You can find more information on GOV.UK:
The Mobile Homes Act 2013
The Mobile Homes Act 2013 introduced rules to improve how residential sites are run. Site owners must:
- run sites professionally
- follow licence conditions
- protect residents health, safety and comfort
- allow residents to sell their homes without interference