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Caravan Sites and Control of Development Act 1960

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Point in time view as at 01/10/2009.

Changes to legislation:

Caravan Sites and Control of Development Act 1960 is up to date with all changes known to be in force on or before 13 November 2024. There are changes that may be brought into force at a future date. Changes that have been made appear in the content and are referenced with annotations. Help about Changes to Legislation

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Part IE+W+S Caravan Sites

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C4Pt. I (ss. 1-32) applied (E.W.) (6.3.1992) by Local Government Finance Act 1992 (c. 14), s. 7(6) (with s. 118(1)(2)(4)).

Licensing of caravan sitesE+W+S

1 Prohibition of use of land as caravan site without site licence.E+W+S

(1)Subject to the provisions of this Part of this Act, no occupier of land shall after the commencement of this Act cause or permit any part of the land to be used as a caravan site unless he is the holder of a site licence (that is to say, a licence under this Part of this Act authorising the use of land as a caravan site) for the time being in force as respects the land so used.

(2)If the occupier of any land contravenes subsection (1) of this section he shall be guilty of an offence and liable on summary conviction, in the case of the first offence to a fine not exceeding [F1one hundred pounds][F1level 4 on the standard scale], and, in the case of a second or subsequent offence, to a fine not exceeding [F1two hundred and fifty pounds][F1level 4 on the standard scale].

(3)In this Part of this Act the expression “occupier” means, in relation to any land, the person who, by virtue of an estate or interest therein held by him, is entitled to possession thereof or would be so entitled but for the rights of any other person under any licence granted in respect of the land:

Provided that where land amounting to not more than four hundred square yards in area is let under a tenancy entered into with a view to the use of the land as a caravan site, the expression “occupier” means in relation to that land the person who would be entitled to possession of the land but for the rights of any person under that tenancy.

(4)In this Part of this Act the expression “caravan site” means land on which a caravan is stationed for the purposes of human habitation and land which is used in conjunction with land on which a caravan is so stationed.

Textual Amendments

F1Words “level 4 on the standard scale” substituted (S.) for words “one hundred pounds” and “two hundred and fifty pounds” by virtue of Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1975 (c. 21, SIF 39:1), ss. 289E–289G

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C5Criminal Justice Act 1982 (c. 48, SIF 39:1), ss. 35 (in relation to liability on first and subsequent convictions), 38 (increase of fines) and 46 (substitution of references to levels on the standard scale) apply (E.W.)

2 Exemptions from licensing requirements.E+W+S

No site licence shall be required for the use of land as a caravan site in any of the circumstances specified in the First Schedule to this Act and that Schedule shall have effect accordingly.

3 Issue of site licences by local authorities.E+W+S

(1)An application for the issue of a site licence in respect of any land may be made by the occupier thereof to the local authority in whose area the land is situated.

(2)An application under this section shall be in writing and shall specify the land in respect of which the application is made; and the applicant shall, either at the time of making the application or subsequently, give to the local authority such [F2other information as they may reasonably require]

(3)A local authority may on an application under this section issue a site licence in respect of the land if, and only if, the applicant is, at the time when the site licence is issued, entitled to the benefit of a permission for the use of the land as a caravan site granted under Part III of the Act of 1947 otherwise than by a development order.

(4)If at the date when the applicant duly gives the [F3information required by virtue of]subsection (2) of this section he is entitled to the benefit of such a permission as aforesaid, the local authority shall issue a site licence in respect of the land within two months of that date or, if the applicant and the local authority agree in writing that the local authority shall be afforded a longer period within which to grant a site licence, within the period so agreed.

(5)If the applicant becomes entitled to the benefit of such a permission as aforesaid at some time after duly giving the [F3information required by virtue of]subsection (2) of this section the local authority shall issue a site licence in respect of the land within six weeks of the date on which he becomes so entitled or, if the applicant and the local authority agree in writing that the local authority shall be afforded a longer period within which to grant a site licence, within the period so agreed.

(6)Notwithstanding anything in the foregoing provisions of this section, a local authority shall not at any time issue a site licence to a person who to their knowledge has held a site licence which has been revoked in pursuance of the provisions of this Part of this Act less than three years before that time.

Textual Amendments

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C6S. 3(3) modified (E.W.) (25.11.1991 for certain purposes) by Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (c.8, SIF 123:1), s. 191(7)(a) (as substituted (25.11.1991 for certain purposes) by Planning and Compensation Act 1991 (c. 34, SIF 123:1), s. 10(1) (with s. 84(5)); S.I. 1991/2728, art. 2

S. 3(3) modified (S.) (25.9.1992) by Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1972 (c. 52, SIF 123:2), s. 90(7)(a) (as substituted by Planning and Compensation Act 1991 (c. 34, SIF 123:2), ss. 42(1) (with s. 84(5)); S.I 1992/1937 art. 4)

C7S. 3(3) extended (S.) (27.5.1997) by 1997 c. 8, ss. 150(7)(a), 278(2)

S. 3(3): functions of local authority not to be responsibility of an executive of the authority (E.) (16.11.2000) by virtue of S.I. 2000/2853, reg. 2(1), Sch. 1 Table B1

4 Duration of site licences.E+W+S

(1)Where permission for the use of any land as a caravan site has been granted under Part III of the Act of 1947 otherwise than by a development order, and has been so granted in terms such that it will expire at the end of a specified period, any site licence issued in respect of the land by virtue of the existence of that permission shall expire, and shall be stated to expire, at the end of that period; but, subject as aforesaid, a site licence shall not be issued for a limited period only.

(2)If after a site licence is issued the terms of the said permission are varied by the Minister on an appeal under section sixteen of the Act of 1947, the local authority who issued the licence shall make in the site licence any alteration required to secure that its terms comply with the provisions of the foregoing subsection.

5 Power of local authority to attach conditions to site licences.E+W+S

(1)A site licence issued by a local authority in respect of any land may be so issued subject to such conditions as the authority may think it necessary or desirable to impose on the occupier of the land in the interests of persons dwelling thereon in caravans, or of any other class of persons, or of the public at large; and in particular, but without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing, a site licence may be issued subject to conditions—

(a)for restricting the occasions on which caravans are stationed on the land for the purposes of human habitation, or the total number of caravans which are so stationed at any one time;

(b)for controlling (whether by reference to their size, the state of their repair or, subject to the provisions of subsection (2) of this section, any other feature) the types of caravan which are stationed on the land;

(c)for regulating the positions in which caravans are stationed on the land for the purposes of human habitation and for prohibiting, restricting, or otherwise regulating, the placing or erection on the land, at any time when caravans are so stationed, of structures and vehicles of any description whatsoever and of tents;

(d)for securing the taking of any steps for preserving or enhancing the amenity of the land, including the planting and replanting thereof with trees and bushes;

(e)for securing that, at all times when caravans are stationed on the land, proper measures are taken for preventing and detecting the outbreak of fire and adequate means of fighting fire are provided and maintained;

(f)for securing that adequate sanitary facilities, and such other facilities, services or equipment as may be specified, are provided for the use of persons dwelling on the land in caravans and that, at all times when caravans are stationed thereon for the purposes of human habitation, any facilities and equipment so provided are properly maintained.

(2)No condition shall be attached to a site licence controlling the types of caravans which are stationed on the land by reference to the materials used in their construction.

[F4(2A)Where the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 applies to the land, no condition is to be attached to a site licence in so far as it relates to any matter in relation to which requirements or prohibitions are or could be imposed by or under that Order.]

[F5(2A)Where Part 3 of the Fire (Scotland) Act 2005 (asp 5) applies to the land, no condition shall be attached to a site licence which relates to any matter in relation to which requirements or prohibitions are or could be imposed by virtue of that Part.]

(3)A site licence issued in respect of any land shall, unless it is issued subject to a condition restricting to three or less the total number of caravans which may be stationed on the land at any one time, contain an express condition that, at all times when caravans are stationed on the land for the purposes of human habitation, a copy of the licence as for the time being in force shall be displayed on the land in some conspicuous place.

[F6(3A)The local authority shall consult the [F7fire authority] [F7fire and rescue authority] as to the extent to which any model standards relating to fire precautions which have been specified under subsection (6) of this section are appropriate to the land.

(3B)If—

(a)no such standards have been specified; or

(b)any standard that has been specified appears to the [F8fire authority] [F8fire and rescue authority] to be inappropriate to the land,

the local authority shall consult the [F8fire authority] [F8fire and rescue authority] as to what conditions relating to fire precautions ought to be attached to the site licence instead.]

[F9(3C)Subsections (3A) and (3B) of this section do not apply where the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 applies to the land.]

(4)A condition attached to a site licence may, if it requires the carrying out of any works on the land in respect of which the licence is issued, prohibit or restrict the bringing of caravans on to the land for the purposes of human habitation until such time as the local authority have certified in writing that the works have been completed to their satisfaction; and where the land to which the site licence relates is at the time in use as a caravan site, the condition may, whether or not it contains any such prohibition or restriction as aforesaid, require the works to be completed to the satisfaction of the authority within a stated period.

(5)For the avoidance of doubt, it is hereby declared that a condition attached to a site licence shall be valid notwithstanding that it can be complied with only by the carrying out of works which the holder of the site licence is not entitled to carry out as of right.

(6)The Minister may from time to time specify for the purposes of this section model standards with respect to the layout of, and the provision of facilities, services and equipment for, caravan sites or particular types of caravan site; and in deciding what (if any) conditions to attach to a site licence, a local authority shall have regard to any standards so specified.

[F10(6A)No model standards may be specified under subsection (6) of this section in relation to land to which the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 applies in so far as the standards relate to any matter in relation to which requirements or prohibitions are or could be imposed by or under that Order.]

[F11(6A)No model standards may be specified under subsection (6) as respects land in relation to which Part 3 of the Fire (Scotland) Act 2005 (asp 5) applies if the standards relate to any matter in relation to which requirements or prohibitions are or could be imposed by virtue of that Part.]

[F12(7)The duty imposed on a local authority by subsection (6) of this section to have regard to standards specified under that subsection is to be construed, as regards standards relating to fire precautions which are so specified, as a duty to have regard to them subject to any advice given by the [F13fire authority] [F13fire and rescue authority] under subsection (3A) or (3B) of this section.

(8)In this section “fire precautions” means precautions to be taken for any of the purposes specified in paragraph (e) of subsection (1) of this section for which conditions may be imposed by virtue of [F14that subsection] [F14this section].]

Textual Amendments

F7Words in s. 5(3A) substituted (E.W.) (1.10.2004 for E., 10.11.2004 for W.) by Fire and Rescue Services Act 2004 (c. 21), para. 14(3)(a)s. 61, Sch. 1 para. 14(2); S.I. 2004/2304, art. 2; S.I. 2004/2917, art. 2

F8Words in s. 5(3B) substituted (E.W.) (1.10.2004 for E., 10.11.2004 for W.) by Fire and Rescue Services Act 2004 (c. 21), para. 14(3)(a)s. 61, Sch. 1 para. 14(2); S.I. 2004/2304, art. 2; S.I. 2004/2917, art. 2

F13Words in s. 5(7) substituted (E.W.) (1.10.2004 for E., 10.11.2004 for W.) by Fire and Rescue Services Act 2004 (c. 21), para. 14(3)(a)s. 61, Sch. 1 para. 14(2); S.I. 2004/2304, art. 2; S.I. 2004/2917, art. 2

6 Failure by local authority to issue site licence.E+W+S

Where a local authority, being required under section three of this Act to issue a site licence in respect of any land, fail to do so within the period within which they are required to issue a site licence by that section, no offence under section one of this Act shall be committed in respect of the land by the person by whom the application for the site licence was made at any time after the expiration of the said period and before a site licence is issued in pursuance of the said application.

7 Appeal to magistrates’ court against conditions attached to site licence.E+W+S

(1)Any person aggrieved by any condition (other than the condition referred to in subsection (3) of section five of this Act) subject to which a site licence has been issued to him in respect of any land may, within twenty-eight days of the date on which the licence was so issued, appeal to a magistrates’ court F15... ; and the court, if satisfied (having regard amongst other things to any standards which may have been specified by the Minister under subsection (6) of the said section five) that the condition is unduly burdensome, may vary or cancel the condition.

(2)In so far as the effect of a condition (in whatever words expressed) subject to which a site licence is issued in respect of any land is to require the carrying out on the land of any works, the condition shall not have effect during the period within which the person to whom the site licence is issued is entitled by virtue of the foregoing subsection to appeal against the condition nor, thereafter, whilst an appeal against the condition is pending.

Textual Amendments

8 Power of local authority to alter conditions attached to site licences.E+W+S

(1)The conditions attached to a site licence may be altered at any time (whether by the variation or cancellation of existing conditions, or by the addition of new conditions, or by a combination of any such methods) by the local authority, but before exercising their powers under this subsection the local authority shall afford to the holder of the licence an opportunity of making representations.

[F16(1A)Where the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 applies to the land to which the site licence relates, no condition may be attached to a site licence under subsection (1) of this section in so far as it relates to any matter in relation to which requirements or prohibitions are or could be imposed by or under that Order.]

[F17(1A)Where Part 3 of the Fire (Scotland) Act 2005 (asp 5) applies in relation to the land to which a site licence relates, no alteration under subsection (1) may be made so as to add a new condition to, or vary an existing condition of, the site licence if the new condition or, as the case may be, existing condition as varied relates to any matter in relation to which requirements or prohibitions are or could be imposed by virtue of that Part.]

(2)Where the holder of a site licence is aggrieved by any alteration of the conditions attached thereto or by the refusal of the local authority of an application by him for the alteration of those conditions, he may, within twenty-eight days of the date on which written notification of the alteration or refusal is received by him, appeal to a magistrates’ court F18... ; and the court may, if they allow the appeal, give to the local authority such directions as may be necessary to give effect to their decision.

(3)The alteration by a local authority of the conditions attached to any site licence shall not have effect until written notification thereof has been received by the holder of the licence, and in so far as any such alteration imposes a requirement on the holder of the licence to carry out on the land to which the licence relates any works which he would not otherwise be required to carry out, the alteration shall not have effect during the period within which the said holder is entitled by virtue of the last foregoing subsection to appeal against the alteration nor, thereafter, whilst an appeal against the alteration is pending.

(4)In exercising the powers conferred upon them by subsection (1) and subsection (2) of this section respectively, a local authority and a magistrates’ court shall have regard amongst other things to any standards which may have been specified by the Minister under subsection (6) of section five of this Act.

[F19(5)The local authority shall consult the [F20fire authority] [F20fire and rescue authority] before exercising the powers conferred upon them by subsection (1) of this section in relation to a condition attached to a site licence for the purposes set out in section 5(1)(e) of this Act.]

[F21(5A)Subsection (5) of this section does not apply where the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 applies to the land.]

9 Provisions as to breaches of condition.E+W+S

(1)If an occupier of land fails to comply with any condition for the time being attached to a site licence held by him in respect of the land, he shall be guilty of an offence and liable on summary conviction, in the case of the first offence to a fine not exceeding [F22one hundred pounds][F22level 4 on the standard scale], and, in the case of a second or subsequent offence, to a fine not exceeding [F22two hundred and fifty pounds][F22level 4 on the standard scale].

(2)Where a person convicted under this section for failing to comply with a condition attached to a site licence has on two or more previous occasions been convicted thereunder for failing to comply with a condition attached to that licence, the court before whom he is convicted may, if an application in that behalf is made at the hearing by the local authority in whose area the land is situated, make an order for the revocation of the said site licence to come into force [F23on such date as the court may specify in the order, being a date not earlier than the expiration of any period within which notice of appeal (whether by case stated or otherwise) may be given against the conviction] and if before the date so specified an appeal is so brought the order shall be of no effect pending the final determination or withdrawal of the appeal.

The person convicted or the local authority who issued the site licence may apply to the magistrates’ court which has made such an order revoking a site licence for an order extending the period at the end of which the revocation is to come into force, and the magistrates’ court may, if satisfied that adequate notice of the application has been given to the local authority or, as the case may be, the person convicted, make an order extending that period.

(3)Where an occupier of land fails within the time specified in a condition attached to a site licence held by him to complete to the satisfaction of the local authority in whose area the land is situated any works required by the condition to be so completed, the local authority may carry out those works, and may recover as a simple contract debt in any court of competent jurisdiction from that person any expenses reasonably incurred by them in that behalf.

Textual Amendments

F22Words “level 4 on the standard scale” substituted (S.) for words “one hundred pounds” and “two hundred and fifty pounds” by virtue of Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1975 (c. 21, SIF 39:1), ss. 289E–289G

F23Words substituted by Courts Act 1971 (c. 23) Sch. 8 para. 39

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C8Criminal Justice Act 1982 (c. 48, SIF 39:1), ss. 35 (in relation to liability on first and subsequent convictions), 38 (increase of fines) and 46 (substitution of references to levels on the standard scale) apply (E.W.)

10 Transfer of site licences, and transmission on death, etc.E+W+S

(1)When the holder of a site licence in respect of any land ceases to be the occupier of the land, he may, with the consent of the local authority in whose area the land is situated, transfer the licence to the person who then becomes the occupier of the land.

(2)Where a local authority give their consent to the transfer of a site licence, they shall endorse on the licence the name of the person to whom it is to be transferred and the date agreed between the parties to the transfer as the date on which that person is, for the purposes of this Part of this Act, to be treated as having become the holder of the licence.

(3)If an application is made under subsection (1) of this section for consent to the transfer of a site licence to a person who is to become the occupier of the land, that person may apply for a site licence under section three of this Act if he were the occupier of the land, and if the local authority at any time before issuing a site licence in compliance with that application give their consent to the transfer they need not proceed with the application for the site licence.

(4)Where any person becomes, by operation of law, entitled to an estate or interest in land in respect of which a site licence is in force and is, by virtue of his holding that estate or interest, the occupier of the land within the meaning of this Part of this Act he shall, for the purposes of this Part of this Act, be treated as having become the holder of the licence on the day on which he became the occupier of the land, and the local authority in whose area the land is situated shall, if an application in that behalf is made to them, endorse his name and the said date on the licence.

11 Duty of licence holder to surrender licence for alteration.E+W+S

(1)A local authority who have issued a site licence may at any time require the holder to deliver it up so as to enable them to enter in it any alteration of the conditions or other terms of the licence made in pursuance of the provisions of this Part of this Act.

(2)If the holder of a site licence fails without reasonable excuse to comply with a requirement duly made under this section he shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding [F24level 1 on the standard scale].

12 Responsibility of occupier of land subject to a licence or special tenancy. E+W+S

(1)It shall be a condition of any licence or of any such tenancy as is mentioned in subsection (3) of section one of this Act that if any person in exercise of rights under the licence or tenancy does anything which would constitute an offence under that section if that person were the occupier of the land, the person who is the occupier of the land may take possession of the land and terminate the licence or tenancy; and in determining whether the occupier of the land has permitted the land to be used as a caravan site account shall be taken of any powers exercisable by him under this subsection.

(2)The occupier of any land subject to a licence or subject to any such tenancy as is mentioned in subsection (3) of section one of this Act shall have the right, as against any person claiming under the licence or tenancy, to enter on the land and do anything on the land reasonably required for the purpose of complying with any conditions attached to a site licence issued with respect to the land.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

Special provisions as to existing sitesE+W+S

F2513. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .E+W+S

Textual Amendments

F25Ss. 13-20 repealed (5.11.1993) by 1993 c. 50, s. 1(1), Sch. 1 Pt. XIII Group1.

F2614. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .E+W+S

Textual Amendments

F26Ss. 13-20 repealed (5.11.1993) by 1993 c. 50, s. 1(1), Sch. 1 Pt. XIII Group1.

F2715. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .E+W+S

Textual Amendments

F27Ss. 13-20 repealed (5.11.1993) by 1993 c. 50, s. 1(1), Sch. 1 Pt. XIII Group1.

F2816. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .E+W+S

Textual Amendments

F28Ss. 13-20 repealed (5.11.1993) by 1993 c. 50, s. 1(1), Sch. 1 Pt. XIII Group1.

F2917. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .E+W+S

Textual Amendments

F29Ss. 13-20 repealed (5.11.1993) by 1993 c. 50, s. 1(1), Sch. 1 Pt. XIII Group1.

F3018. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .E+W+S

Textual Amendments

F30Ss. 13-20 repealed (5.11.1993) by 1993 c. 50, s. 1(1), Sch. 1 Pt. XIII Group1.

F3119. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .E+W+S

Textual Amendments

F31Ss. 13-20 repealed (5.11.1993) by 1993 c. 50, s. 1(1), Sch. 1 Pt. XIII Group1.

F3220. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .E+W+S

Textual Amendments

F32Ss. 13-20 repealed (5.11.1993) by 1993 c. 50, s. 1(1), Sch. 1 Pt. XIII Group1.

21, 22.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F33E+W+S

Caravans on commonsE+W+S

23 Power of rural district councils to prohibit caravans on commons. E+W+S

(1)This section applies to any land in the area of a [F34district council] which is or forms part of a common, not being land falling within any of the following descriptions, that is to say—

(a)land to which section one hundred and ninety-three of the M1Law of Property Act 1925 (which relates to the rights of the public over certain commons and waste lands), for the time being applies;

(b)land which is subject to a scheme under Part I of the M2Commons Act 1899 (under which schemes may be made for the regulation and management of certain commons);

(c)land as respects which a site licence is for the time being in force.

(2)[F35The council of a district] may make with respect to any land in their area to which this section applies an order prohibiting, either absolutely or except in such circumstances as may be specified in the order, the stationing of caravans on the land for the purposes of human habitation.

(3)Without prejudice to the provisions of section one of this Act, any person who stations a caravan on any land in contravention of an order under this section for the time being in force with respect to the land shall be guilty of an offence and liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding [F36level 1 on the standard scale].

(4)It shall be the duty of a [F34district council] to take all reasonable steps to secure that copies of any order under this section which is for the time being in force with respect to any land in their area are so displayed on the land as to give to persons entering thereon adequate warning of the existence of the order, and the council shall have the right to place on the land such notices as they consider necessary for the performance of their duty under this subsection.

(5)An order under this section may be revoked at any time by a subsequent order made thereunder by the [F34district council], or may be so varied either so as to exclude any land from the operation of the order or so as to introduce any exception, or further exception, from the prohibition imposed by the order.

(6)Where the whole or a part of any land with respect to which an order under this section is in force ceases to be land to which this section applies, the said order shall thereupon cease to have effect with respect to the said land or part; and where an order ceases under this subsection to have effect with respect to a part only of any land, the [F34district council] shall cause any copy of the order which is displayed on that part of the land with respect to which the order continues in force to be amended accordingly.

(7)The provisions of the Second Schedule to this Act shall, subject as therein provided, have effect with respect to orders under this section.

(8)In this section the word “common” includes any land subject to be enclosed under the Inclosure Acts 1845 to 1882, and any town or village green.

[F37(9)This section and the Second Schedule to this Act shall apply in relation to land in Wales as if for every reference to a district council or to the district council (however expressed), or which falls to be construed as such a reference, there were substituted a reference to a Welsh county council or county borough council or (as the case may be) the Welsh county council or county borough council.]

Textual Amendments

F35Words substituted by S.I.1975/1636, art. 4(3)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C11S. 23 extended (E.W.) (19.9.1995) by 1995 c. 25, ss. 70, 125(2), Sch. 9 para. 1(2)(c) (with ss. 7(6), 115, 117, Sch. 8 para. 7)

C12S. 23 functions made exercisable concurrently (E.W.) (with effect in accordance with art. 25(1) of the amending S.I.) by The Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (Establishment of Conservation Board) Order 2004 (S.I. 2004/1777), arts. 1, 25(2)(xiii) (with art. 35)

C13S. 23 functions made exercisable concurrently (E.W.) (with effect in accordance with art. 25(1) of the amending S.I.) by The Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (Establishment of Conservation Board) Order 2004 (S.I. 2004/1778), arts. 2, 25(1)(2)(xiii) (with art. 35)

Marginal Citations

Provision of caravan sites by local authoritiesE+W+S

24 Power of local authorities to provide sites for caravans. E+W

(1)A local authority shall have power within their area to provide sites where caravans may be brought, whether for holidays or other temporary purposes or for use as permanent residences, and to manage the sites or lease them to some other person.

(2)Subject to the provisions of this section, a local authority shall have power to do anything appearing to them desirable in connection with the provision of such sites, and in particular—

(a)to acquire land which is in use as a caravan site, or which has been laid out as a caravan site, or

(b)to provide for the use of those occupying caravan sites any services or facilities for their health or convenience; [F38, or

(c)to provide, in or in connection with sites for the accommodation of gipsies, working space and facilities for the carrying on of such activities as are normally carried on by them,]

and in exercising their powers under this section the local authority shall have regard to any standards which may have been specified by the Minister under subsection (6) of section five of this Act.

[F39(2A)Before exercising the power to provide a site conferred on them by subsection (1) of this section the local authority shall consult the [F40fire and rescue authority], if they are not themselves the [F40fire and rescue authority],—

(a)as to measures to be taken for preventing and detecting the outbreak of fire on the site; and

(b)as to the provision and maintenance of means of fighting fire on it.]

(3)The local authority shall make in respect of the use of sites managed by them, and of any services or facilities provided or made available under this section, such reasonable charges as they may determine.

(4)A local authority may make available the services and facilities provided under this section for those who do not normally reside in the area of the local authority as freely as for those who do.

(5)A local authority shall, in the performance of their functions under this section, have power, where it appears to them that a caravan site or an additional caravan site is needed in their area, or that land which is in use as a caravan site should in the interests of the users of caravans be taken over by the local authority, to acquire land, or any interest in land, compulsorily.

(6)The power of a local authority under the last foregoing subsection to acquire land, or any interest in land, compulsorily shall be exercisable in any particular case on their being authorised to do so by the Minister, and the [F41Acquisition of Land Act 1981], shall have effect in relation to the acquisition of land, or any interest in land, under the said subsection . . . F42

(7)A local authority shall not have power under this section to provide caravans.

(8)In this section the expression “local authority” includes the council of a county [F43in England]. . . [F44and “gipsies” means persons of nomadic habit of life, whatever their race or origin, but does not include members of an organised group of travelling showmen, or persons engaged in travelling circuses, travelling together as such.]

(9). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F45

Extent Information

E1This version of this provision extends to England and Wales only; a separate version has been created for Scotland only.

Textual Amendments

F38S. 24(2)(c) inserted (3.11.1994) by 1994 c. 33, ss. 80(2)(a), 172(4)

F40Words in s. 24(2A) substituted (E.W.) (1.10.2004 for E., 10.11.2004 for W.) by Fire and Rescue Services Act 2004 (c. 21), para. 14(3)(c)s. 61, Sch. 1 para. 14(2); S.I. 2004/2304, art. 2; S.I. 2004/2917, art. 2

F44Words in s. 24(8) inserted (3.11.1994) by 1994 c. 33, ss. 80(2)(a), 172(4)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C15S. 24 extended (19.9.1995) by 1995 c. 25, ss. 70, 125(2), Sch. 9, para. 4(a)

C16S. 24 functions made exercisable concurrently (E.W.) (with effect in accordance with art. 25(1) of the amending S.I.) by The Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (Establishment of Conservation Board) Order 2004 (S.I. 2004/1777), arts. 1, 25(2)(xiv) (with art. 35)

C17S. 24 functions made exercisable concurrently (with effect in accordance with art. 25(1) of the amending S.I.) by The Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (Establishment of Conservation Board) Order 2004 (S.I. 2004/1778), arts. 2, 25(1)(2)(xiv) (with art. 35)

24 Power of local authorities to provide sites for caravans. S

(1)A local authority shall have power within their area to provide sites where caravans may be brought, whether for holidays or other temporary purposes or for use as permanent residences, and to manage the sites or lease them to some other person.

(2)Subject to the provisions of this section, a local authority shall have power to do anything appearing to them desirable in connection with the provision of such sites, and in particular—

(a)to acquire land which is in use as a caravan site, or which has been laid out as a caravan site, or

(b)to provide for the use of those occupying caravan sites any services or facilities for their health or convenience;

and in exercising their powers under this section the local authority shall have regard to any standards which may have been specified by the Minister under subsection (6) of section five of this Act.

F72F40[F73(2A)Before exercising the power to provide a site conferred on them by subsection (1) of this section the local authority shall consult the fire authority, if they are not themselves the fire authority,—

(a)as to measures to be taken for preventing and detecting the outbreak of fire on the site; and

(b)as to the provision and maintenance of means of fighting fire on it.]

(3)The local authority shall make in respect of the use of sites managed by them, and of any services or facilities provided or made available under this section, such reasonable charges as they may determine.

(4)A local authority may make available the services and facilities provided under this section for those who do not normally reside in the area of the local authority as freely as for those who do.

(5)A local authority shall, in the performance of their functions under this section, have power, where it appears to them that a caravan site or an additional caravan site is needed in their area, or that land which is in use as a caravan site should in the interests of the users of caravans be taken over by the local authority, to acquire land, or any interest in land, compulsorily.

(6)The power of a local authority under the last foregoing subsection to acquire land, or any interest in land, compulsorily shall be exercisable in any particular case on their being authorised to do so by the Minister, and the [F74Acquisition of Land Act 1981], shall have effect in relation to the acquisition of land, or any interest in land, under the said subsection . . . F75

(7)A local authority shall not have power under this section to provide caravans.

[F73(8)In the foregoing provisions of this section “local authority” means [F76a council constituted under section 2 of the Local Government etc. (Scotland) Act 1994.].]

F77(8A). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(9). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F78

Extent Information

E2This version of this provision extends to Scotland only; a separate version has been created for England and Wales only.

Textual Amendments

F40Words in s. 24(2A) substituted (E.W.) (1.10.2004 for E., 10.11.2004 for W.) by Fire and Rescue Services Act 2004 (c. 21), para. 14(3)(c)s. 61, Sch. 1 para. 14(2); S.I. 2004/2304, art. 2; S.I. 2004/2917, art. 2

F73S. 24(8)(8A) beginning “In the foregoing” substituted for subsection (8) beginning “In this section” by Local Government and Planning (Scotland) Act 1982 (c. 43, SIF 81:2), s. 13(1)

F76Words in s. 24(8) substituted (1.4.1996) by 1994 c. 39, s. 180(1), Sch. 13, para. 54(a); S.I. 1996/323, art. 4

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C16S. 24 functions made exercisable concurrently (E.W.) (with effect in accordance with art. 25(1) of the amending S.I.) by The Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (Establishment of Conservation Board) Order 2004 (S.I. 2004/1777), arts. 1, 25(2)(xiv) (with art. 35)

C17S. 24 functions made exercisable concurrently (with effect in accordance with art. 25(1) of the amending S.I.) by The Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (Establishment of Conservation Board) Order 2004 (S.I. 2004/1778), arts. 2, 25(1)(2)(xiv) (with art. 35)

Miscellaneous and supplementalE+W+S

25 Registers of site licences.E+W+S

(1)Every local authority shall keep a register of site licences issued in respect of land situated in their area, and every such register shall be open for inspection by the public at all reasonable times.

(2)Where under subsection (2) or subsection (4) of section ten of this Act a local authority endorse on a site licence the name of any person in the circumstances described in those subsections, they shall record his name, and the date entered in the licence, in the register of site licences.

26 Power of entry of officers of local authorities.E+W+S

(1)Subject to the provisions of this section, any authorised officer of a local authority shall, on producing, if so required, some duly authenticated document showing his authority, have a right at all reasonable hours to enter any land which is used as a caravan site or in respect of which an application for a site licence has been made,—

(a)for the purpose of enabling the local authority to determine what conditions should be attached to a site licence or whether conditions attached to a site licence should be altered;

(b)for the purpose of ascertaining whether there is, or has been, on or in connection with the land any contravention of the provisions of this Part of this Act;

(c)for the purpose of ascertaining whether or not circumstances exist which would authorise the local authority to take any action, or execute any work, under this Part of this Act;

(d)for the purpose of taking any action, or executing any work, authorised by this Part of this Act to be taken or executed by the local authority:

Provided that admission to any land shall not be demanded as of right unless twenty-four hours notice of the intended entry has been given to the occupier.

(2)If it is shown to the satisfaction of a justice of the peace—

(a)that admission to any land has been refused, or that refusal is apprehended, or that the occupier of the land is temporarily absent and the case is one of urgency, or that an application for admission would defeat the object of the entry; and

(b)that there is reasonable ground for entering on the land for any such purpose as is mentioned in subsection (1) of this section,

the justice may by warrant under his hand authorise the local authority by any authorised officer to enter the land, if need be by force:

Provided that such a warrant shall not be issued unless the justice is satisfied either that notice of the intention to apply for the warrant has been given to the occupier, or that the occupier is temporarily absent and the case is one of urgency, or that the giving of such notice would defeat the object of the entry.

(3)An authorised officer entering any land by virtue of this section, or of a warrant issued thereunder, may take with him such other persons as may be necessary.

(4)Every warrant granted under this section shall continue in force until the purpose for which the entry is necessary has been satisfied.

(5)A person who wilfully obstructs any person acting in the execution of this section, or of a warrant under this section, shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding [F46level 1 on the standard scale].

F4727. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .E+W+S

Textual Amendments

F47S. 27 repealed (S.) by Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 (c. 65), Sch. 29

S. 27 repealed (E.W.) (5.11.1993) by 1993 c. 50, s. 1(1), Sch. 1 Pt. XIII Group1.

28 Crown land.E+W+S

The provisions of this Part of this Act relating to site licences shall apply to land the occupier of which is not the Crown notwithstanding that an interest in the land belongs to Her Majesty in right of the Crown or of the Duchy of Lancaster, or to the Duchy of Cornwall, or belongs to a government department or is held in trust for Her Majesty for the purposes of a government department.

29 Interpretation of Part I.E+W+S

(1)In this Part of this Act, unless the context otherwise requires—

  • caravan” means any structure designed or adapted for human habitation which is capable of being moved from one place to another (whether by being towed, or by being transported on a motor vehicle or trailer) and any motor vehicle so designed or adapted, but does not include—

    (a)

    any railway rolling stock which is for the time being on rails forming part of a railway system, or

    (b)

    any tent;

  • caravan site” has the meaning assigned to it by subsection (4) of section one of this Act;

  • development order” means an order made under section thirteen of the Act of 1947 (under which orders may be made which, in some cases, themselves grant permission for development and, in other cases, provide that permission shall be granted on an application in that behalf);

  • F48. . .

  • F49[F50[fire authority”, in relation to any land, means the authority discharging in the area in which the land is situated the functions of fire authority under the Fire Services Act 1947;]] [F50fire and rescue authority”, in relation to any land, means the fire and rescue authority under the Fire and Rescue Services Act 2004 for the area in which the land is situated;]

  • local authority” means a council of a [F51London borough or a] . . . F52 district [F53the Common Council of the City of London] and the Council of the Isles of Scilly; [F54but, in relation to Wales, means the council of a Welsh county or county borough]

  • occupier” has the meaning assigned to it by subsection (3) of section one of this Act and “occupied” and “occupation” shall be construed accordingly;

  • site licence” has the meaning assigned to it by subsection (1) of section one of this Act;

  • the Minister” means [F55the Secretary of State].

(2)Any reference in this Part of this Act to the carrying out of works shall include a reference to the planting of trees and shrubs and the carrying out of other operations for preserving or enhancing the amenity of land.

(3)For the purposes of any provision of this Part of this Act relating to the expiration of permission granted under Part III of the Act of 1947 for any use of land, permission granted for the use of land for intermittent periods shall not be regarded as expiring at any time so long as the permission authorises the use of the land for further intermittent periods.

(4)Any reference in this Part of this Act to permission granted under Part III of the Act of 1947 for the use of land as a caravan site shall be taken as a reference to such permission whether or not restricted in any way or subject to any condition or limitation, and any reference in this Part of this Act to such permission shall include a reference to permission deemed to be granted under the said Part III [F56or granted on the designation of an enterprise zone under Schedule 32 to the Local Government, Planning and Land Act 1980].

(5)In this Part of this Act references to the local planning authority shall, where appropriate, be taken as references to any local authority to whom any of the functions of the local planning authority under Part III of the Act of 1947 have been delegated.

Textual Amendments

F48Definition in s. 29(1) repealed (5.11.1993) by 1993 c. 50, s. 1(1), Sch. 1 Pt. XIII Group 1.

F50Words in s. 29(1) substituted (E.W.) (1.10.2004 for E., 10.11.2004 for W.) by Fire and Rescue Services Act 2004 (c. 21), s. 61, Sch. 1 para. 14(4); S.I. 2004/2304, art. 2; S.I. 2004/2917, art. 2

F51By Greater London Council (General Powers) Act 1976 (c.xxvi), s. 11 it is provided that the definition of “local authority” in section 29(1) shall have effect and be deemed to have had effect as from 1 April 1974 as if after the words “of a” there were inserted the words “London borough or a”

F54S. 29(1): words in definition of “local authority” added (1.4.1996) by 1994 c. 19, s. 66(6), Sch. 16, para. 16(3) (with ss. 54(5)(7), 55(5), Sch. 17 paras. 22(1), 23(2)); S.I. 1996/396, art. 4, Sch. 2

F55Words substituted by virtue of S.I. 1965/319, arts. 2, 10(1)(a) Sch. 1 Pt. I and 1970/1681, arts. 2, 6(3)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C18Definition of "caravan" amended by Caravan Sites Act 1968 (c. 52),s. 13

C19By Greater London Council (General Powers) Act 1976 (c.xxvi), s. 11 it is provided that the definition of "Local Authority" in section 29(1) shall have effect and be deemed to have had effect as from 1 April 1974 as if after the words "of a" there were inserted the words "London borough or a"

30 Part repeal of s. 269, Public Health Act, 1936.E+W+S

(1)Section two hundred and sixty-nine of the M3Public Health Act 1936 (which empowers local authorities in England and Wales, excluding London, to control by means of licences the use of movable dwellings within their areas) shall cease to have effect in relation to caravans; . . . F57

F58(2). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F58S. 30(2) repealed (5.11.1993) by 1993 c. 50, s. 1(1), Sch. 1 Pt. XIII Group 1.

Marginal Citations

31. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F59E+W+S

Textual Amendments

32 Application of Part I to Scotland.E+W+S

(1)This Part of this Act shall apply to Scotland with the following modifications:—

(a)for any reference to the Minister there shall be substituted a reference to the Secretary of State;

(b)for any reference to the M4Act of 1947 there shall be substituted a reference to the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1947; and for any reference to any Part or section of the Act of 1947 specified in the first column of the following table there shall be substituted a reference to the Part or section of the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1947, specified in relation thereto in the second column of that table:—

Table
Part or section of Act of 1947Part or section of Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act, 1947
Part III . . .Part II
Section twelve . . .Section ten
Section thirteen . . .Section eleven
Section sixteen . . .Section fourteen
Section twenty-three . . .Section twenty-one
Section twenty-six . . .Section twenty-four

(c)for any reference, in relation to any land, to a magistrates’ court F60... there shall be substituted a reference to the sheriff having jurisdiction in the place where the land is situated;

[F61(d)the reference in subsection (3) of section one of this Act to an estate or interest in land shall be construed as a reference to a right in, or to, land and the references in that subsection and in section twelve of this Act to a licence in respect of land shall be construed as not including a tenancy of land;]

(e)in section nine, for subsection (2) there shall be substituted the following subsections:—

(2)Where a person convicted under this section for failing to comply with a condition attached to a site licence has on two or more previous occasions been convicted thereunder for failing to comply with a condition attached to that licence, the court before whom he is convicted may, if the court thinks fit, make an order for the revocation of the said site licence.

(2A)The holder of a site licence in respect of which an order is made under the last foregoing subsection may, without prejudice to any other form of appeal under any rule of law, appeal against the order in the same manner as against a conviction; and an order so made shall not come into force—

(a)until the expiration of the period of fourteen days commencing with the date on which the order was made or such longer or extended period so commencing as may be specified by the court either in the said order or subsequently from time to time on application in that behalf by the holder of the site licence; nor

(b)if an appeal against the order or the conviction which gave rise thereto is duly taken within the said period of fourteen days or, as the case may be, any longer or extended period specified under the foregoing paragraph, until the date when that appeal is determined or abandoned or deemed to have been abandoned.

and, in subsection (3), for the reference to a simple contract debt there shall be substituted a reference to a civil debt;

F62(f). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F62(g). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(h)in section twenty-four—

(i)in subsection (1), the words “within their area” shall be omitted;

(ii)in subsection (6), for the reference to the M5Acquisition of Land (Authorisation Procedure) Act 1946, there shall be substituted a reference to the M6Acquisition of Land (Authorisation Procedure) (Scotland) Act 1947; and

[F63[F64(iii)in subsection (8), for the words from “includes the” onwards there shall be substituted the words “means a local authority within the meaning of the M7Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 and a regional or district planning authority within the meaning of Part IX of that Act”]];

(i)in section twenty-six, any reference to a justice of the peace shall be construed as including a reference to a sheriff;

F62(j). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(k)in section twenty-nine—

(i)in subsection (1), for the definition of “local authority” there shall be substituted the following definition:—

”local authority’ means, [F65a general or district planning authority within the meaning of Part IX of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973];

and the definition of “the Minister” shall be omitted;

(ii)subsections (5) shall be omitted;

(l)the following sections shall be omitted, that is to say, section twenty-three, section thirty F66. . ..

(2)On any appeal to the sheriff under section seven or section eight of this Act as modified by this section—

(a)the procedure (including rules as to expenses) shall be such as the Court of Session may by act of sederunt determine; and

(b)the decision of the sheriff shall be binding on all parties and shall be final:

Provided that the sheriff may at any stage of the proceedings on the appeal, and shall if so directed by the Court of Session, state a case for the decision of that Court on any question of law arising in connection with the appeal; and an appeal to the [F67Supreme Court] shall lie, with the leave of the Court of Session or of the [F67Supreme Court], from any such decision of the Court of Session, which leave may be given on such terms as to costs or otherwise as the Court of Session or the [F67Supreme Court] may determine.

(3)Any reference in subsection (2) of section seven, or subsection (3) of section eight, of this Act to the period during which an appeal is pending shall include a reference to any period during which, by virtue of the proviso to the last foregoing subsection, any proceedings following on that appeal may be taken or are pending.

(4). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F68

(5). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F69

Part IIE+W+S

33—47.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F70E+W+S

Textual Amendments

Part IIIE+W+S General

48. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F71E+W+S

Textual Amendments

49 Financial provisions.E+W+S

There shall be paid out of monies provided by Parliament—

(a)any administrative expenses incurred by the Minister of Housing and Local Government or the Secretary of State in consequence of the passing of this Act, and

(b)any increase attributable to the provisions of this Act in the sums payable out of monies so provided under any other enactment.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C20Functions of Minister of Housing and Local Government transferred to Secretary of State by virtue of S.I. 1965/319, arts. 2, 10(1)(a), Sch. 1 Pt. I and 1970/1681, arts. 2, 6(3)

50 Short title, interpretation, extent and commencement.E+W+S

(1)This Act may be cited as the Caravan Sites and Control of Development Act 1960.

(2)In this Act “the Act of 1947” means the M8Town and Country Planning Act 1947.

(3)This Act shall not extend to Northern Ireland.

(4)This Act shall come into force at the expiration of a period of one month beginning with the date on which it is passed.

Marginal Citations

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