Planning Permission vs Site Licensing: What’s the Difference?
If you’re developing or operating a holiday caravan park or a residential mobile home park, it’s essential you understand the two separate legal requirements that apply: planning permission and a site licence.
Whilst the two are closely linked, they serve different purposes — and confusing the two can lead to costly delays or enforcement action.
Here’s a breakdown of what each involves, how they differ, and why you usually need both.
What is Planning Permission?
Planning permission is the approval you need from your local planning authority to:
- change the use of the land from its existing use to use as a holiday caravan park and/or a residential mobile home park; and
- to construct any ancillary infrastructure.
Without planning permission, you cannot lawfully begin most forms of caravan park development — and operating without it can lead to enforcement action.
What is a Site Licence?
Once you’ve obtained planning permission, you must apply to your local council for a site licence under the Caravan Sites and Control of Development Act 1960.
A caravan site licence regulates the operation and management of parks governing matters of health and safety, welfare, and amenity.
It will typically cover, for example:
- Number and spacing of caravans/mobile homes
- Waste disposal and drainage
- Water supply and sanitation
- Maintenance of facilities
Do I Always Need Both?
In most cases, yes.
There are a few limited exemptions (e.g., small, certified sites via exempt clubs), but even these have strict rules that must be complied with to rely on the exemption.
Final Tip: Don’t Assume One Covers the Other
Planning permission does not automatically grant a site licence — and vice versa.
Always get the right planning permission first and then apply for your site licence, making sure the conditions on each do not contradict one another.
Failing to do this can lead to delays, refusals, or even being ordered to shut down operations.
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