Camping and caravanning
From 19 November 2007, responsibility for the day-to-day administration of the Camping and Caravanning exemption certification process transferred from Defra to Natural England.
Exemption certificates
These allow organisations promoting recreational or instructional objectives to make responsible use of land as a camping/caravanning sites, without the need for a site licence from a Local Authority or planning permission as long as certain conditions are met.
These exemptions are granted to approved organisations rather than landowners by Natural England (known as exempted organisations) and are not an alternative to planning permission. In total Natural England has exempted approximately 550 organisations. The intention is to ensure and maximise the number of people who have access to the natural environment for quiet recreational enjoyment.
Certain exempted organisations have the power to certify sites to allow limited caravanning and camping (upto 5 caravans/camper vans and 10 tents, none to stay any longer than 28 days at a time). Natural England has no role in the process of individual site selection for certification by exempted organisations and plays no regulatory role in this regard.
Landowners can also allow exempted organisations to use land for caravan and camping rallies.
The links below provide further related information about Camping and Touring Caravan exemptions and relevant legislation. We also have a guide: (518kb)
for those organisations seeking an exemption certificate.
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Camping exemption certificates
Section 269 of the Public Health Act 1936 gives power to local authorities to control use of moveable dwellings. The requirement under the Act to obtain a licence for camp sites is applicable only where the land is used for camping for more than 42 consecutive days at a time and more than 60 days in any period of 12 months.
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Touring caravan exemption certificates
Schedule 1 of The Caravan Sites and Control of Development Act 1960 details cases where a Caravan Site Licence and planning permission is not required.
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For camping and caravan usage operating under an exemption.
