To run a caravan and camping site you need a licence from the local authority.

Conditions may be attached to a licence to cover any of the following:

  • restricting when caravans can be on the site for human habitation or restricting the number of caravans that can be on the site at any one time
  • controlling the types of caravans on the site
  • controlling the positioning of the caravans or regulating the use of other structures and vehicles including tents
  • to ensure steps are taken enhance the land, including planting/replanting bushes and trees
  • fire safety and fire fighting controls
  • to ensure that sanitary and other facilities, services and equipment are supplied and maintained.

Eligibility criteria

The applicant must be entitled to use the land as a caravan site.

Licences will not be issued to applicants who have had a site licence revoked within 3 years of the current application.

Application evaluation process

Applications for site licences are made to the local authority in whose area the land situated.

Applications must be in writing, should detail the land the application concerns and any other information required by the local authority.

Apply

To apply to run a caravan site or camp site in Gwynedd, or to tell us about a change to your existing site, please call 01766 771000 or use the forms below:

Once completed please send to:

  • E-mail: trwyddedu@gwynedd.llyw.cymru
  • Address: Licensing Enforcement Officer, Pollution Control and Licensing Service, Public Protection, Environment Department, Dwyfor Area Office, Embankment Road, Pwllheli, Gwynedd, LL53 5AA

Relevant legislation

Caravan Sites and Control of Development Act 1960 (opens in new tab) (external link)
Public Health Act 1936 (opens in new tab) (external link)

Will tacit consent apply?

No. It is in the public interest that the authority must process your application before it can be granted. If you have not heard from the local authority within a reasonable period, please contact it.

Failed application redress

You are advised to take up any issue with the local authority first.

If a licence holder is refused an application to alter a condition they may appeal to the local Magistrates Court. The appeal must be made within 28 days of the written notification of the refusal and a notice of appeal must be served on the local district council.

Licence holder redress

You are advised to take up any issue with the local authority first.

If a licence holder wishes to appeal against a condition attached to a licence they may appeal to the local Magistrates Court. The appeal must be made within 28 days of the licence being issued.

The local district council may alter conditions at any time but must give licence holders the opportunity to make representations about the proposed changes. If a licence holder disagrees with the alterations they may appeal to the local Magistrates Court. The appeal must be made within 28 days of the written notification of the alteration and a notice of appeal must be served on the local district council.

Consumer complaint

We would always advise that in the event of a complaint the first contact is made with the trader by you - preferably in the form a letter (with proof of delivery). If that has not worked, if you are located in the UK, Citizens Advice (opens in new tab) will give you advice. From outside the UK contact the UK European Consumer Centre (opens in new tab).

Trade associations

Association of Caravan and Camping Exempted Organisations (ACCEO) (opens in new tab)
British Holiday & Home Parks Association (BH&HPA) (opens in new tab)
British Resorts and Destinations Association (opens in new tab)
Caravan Industry Training (CITO) (opens in new tab)
Federation of Tour Operators (FTO) (opens in new tab)
Group Travel Organisers Association (GTOA) (opens in new tab)
National Caravan Council (NCC) (opens in new tab)