Caravan and camping sites

If you want to operate a caravan site in Colchester, you must apply for a Caravan Site Licence unless your site qualifies for an exemption.

Step 1: Get planning permission

You must have valid planning permission for the land before applying. A licence cannot be issued without it.

Step 2: Apply for a licence

Apply to Colchester City Council’s Licensing Team. Include:

• a detailed site layout plan
• the number and type of caravans
• information on site facilities (for example, water, waste disposal, fire safety)

There is no fee to apply for or transfer a licence.

Apply now

Tacit consent

If the council does not respond within the statutory timeframe, your application will be automatically approved:

• 62 days for caravan sites
• 28 days for camping sites

Licence conditions

If granted, your licence will include conditions covering:

• spacing between units
• fire precautions
• sanitation and drainage
• site maintenance and landscaping

You must display your licence on-site and comply with all conditions.

Exemptions – when you do not need a licence

Caravan sites

• use by seasonal agricultural workers
• sites occupied by travelling showmen
• sites on land owned by the occupier and used for no more than 28 days a year
• sites used by exempt organisations (for example, caravan clubs)

Camping sites

• sites used for less than 42 consecutive days, or 60 days in a year
• sites used by exempt organisations (for example, Scouts or Guides)

If you think your site may be exempt, contact the Licensing Team at eps.support@colchester.gov.uk.