The Welsh Government is developing a statutory license scheme of all holiday accommodation in Wales and has launched a consultation with responses to be submitted by 17 March. This is part of a package of measures to address the negative impact second home and short-term holiday lets can have on the availability and affordability of housing for local people in local communities in Wales.

The types of accommodation in scope includes a ‘caravan, motorhome, tent, or other temporary structure’ and this would include caravan sites or any site which accepts motorhomes or campervans or any other vehicle providing accommodation.

On page 15 of the consultation document, it states:

“Caravan and/or camping sites are already required to hold a licence which is issued by their local authority (subject to certain exemptions).

“The work carried out in the initial scoping exercise identified that one of the most difficult areas to consider is privately owned caravans which are sub-let on licensed parks. The caravan park is responsible for the safety of the guest whilst they are on site outside the caravan, and also inside it, if the park has let the caravan. However, if the owner has let the caravan, then the owner remains responsible.

There are examples where caravan and/or camping sites have accommodation that is owned and let out by the site owner; accommodation that is privately owned (but privately sub-let for holiday purposes) and accommodation that is privately owned for personal use only. “

Question 10 asks for opinions on the proposal put forward that whoever is responsible for the letting of the accommodation for holiday purposes on caravan and/or camping sites (i.e. the park owner or individual owner) should be required to obtain a licence.  There is also the opportunity to raise any other specific concerns on the statutory scheme for the caravan and camping sector.

NCC members wishing to submit any views or questions on this can email: policy@thencc.org.uk.