Residential mobile home sites

Residential mobile home sites also known as park home sites, and mixed sites with residential and holiday mobile homes need to be licenced under the Mobile Homes (Wales) Act 2013 (opens in a new tab).

Planning permission for residential mobile homes will need to be in place first and the site owner or manager will need to be a ‘fit and proper' person to hold such a licence

For residents selling or buying a residential mobile home new rules are in place.

Additional mobile home guidance can be found on the Welsh Government website (opens in a new tab)

We attach conditions to licences, and if site licence conditions aren't met, we can take enforcement action which includes the serving of compliance notices or Fixed Penalty Notices.

Site licence conditions are designed to protect the health, safety and welfare of residents and covers things like drainage, distances between mobile homes and so on.

The Model Standards 2008 for Caravan Sites in Wales (opens in a new tab) will be attached to all mobile homes sites in Pembrokeshire.

Site rules are not compulsory, but where a site has rules these will need to be sent to us so they can be viewed online by the public. More information about site rules and the process for reviewing them can be found on the Welsh Government website (opens in a new tab).

How to apply

You can request an application form and instructions to pay the fee from licensing@pembrokeshire.gov.uk

Fee policy 2025-2030

Approved by Licensing Committee 24/03/2025

Introduction

The Mobile Homes (Wales) Act 2013 (the Act) came into effect on 1st October 2014. It is designed to help regulation of the industry so that conditions on mobile home sites are improved and the rights of residents are better protected. Mobile Homes are used by their owners all year round as their permanent home on a residential caravan site, often known as 'parks'. They must have specific planning permission for a permanent residential caravan site. In Pembrokeshire, there are around 300 mobile homes located on 12 sites across the county. They are often a popular retirement choice for older people. In most cases residents own the mobile home and rent a pitch on a site. Welsh Government wants these sites to be better managed and regulated. The Act amends the Caravan Sites and Control of Development Act 1960 in relation to mobile homes. It does not apply to holiday caravan sites. The Act authorises local authorities to issue licences in respect of 'relevant protected sites' and to require applications for such licences to be accompanied by a fee fixed by the authority. A licence may be granted for up to five years.

Relevant sites

A relevant site is defined in the Act as any land in Wales on which a mobile home is stationed for the purposes of human habitation other than –

(a) a site for which schedule 1 of the Act provides is not a regulated site ; or

(b) a holiday site

A site included in schedule 1 would include mobile homes within the curtilage of a dwelling house, sites owned by local authority, sites agricultural or forestry workers. The Act also allows for an exemption for mobile homes used by the owner of the site or an employee.

Fees

Under the Act a fee can be charged for

Application for grant of licence

All regulated sites require a site licence other than those which the Act deems to be outside its scope; failure to apply for a licence is an offence under Section 5(2). The council may only issue a licence for a site with a valid and correct planning permission for the use. Sites which have the correct planning permission in place, the local authority has to process the application within 2 months of that date. Any application made before the planning status has been awarded, must be processed within 6 weeks of the date on which the applicant becomes entitled to the benefit of planning permission. Both of the above may be extended with the agreement of the applicant and the council.

Applications to vary the site licence conditions

Where a site owner requests an amendment to the site licence conditions the council can charge a fee for this function.

Depositing, varying and deleting site rules

In accordance with the Mobile Homes (Site Rules) (Wales) Regulations 2014, site owners are required to review existing site rules and consult with residents in respect of proposed site rules. Once agreed with the residents the site owner is required to lodge the site rules with the council. The council needs to approve and register the rules. The council will also be required to publish the list of site rules on the council's website

Replacement of licence

In the event of a site licence being lost or damaged, a site owner can request a new copy of the site licence

This policy details the fees to be charged for the licensing functions.

Any fees charged must fairly cover the costs incurred by the local authority in performing its functions under the Act,

In setting its fees policy and the fees to be charged, the council has had regard to the fees toolkit guide for Local Authorities on setting site licensing fees issued by the Wales Heads of Environmental Health Expert Panels for Licensing and Private Sector Housing.

It takes into account all administrative costs incurred in the licensing process, officer visits to sites, travel costs, consultations, meetings, monitoring of sites/investigation of complaints, giving of informal advice, officer training, any administration including calculating fees, producing, seeking approval and publishing this fee policy

A review of the fees will be carried out every five years in line with the licence cycle. Any adjustments will consider variations in officer and administration time to those used in calculating the fees set out in this policy document, along with any changes to other costs incurred in providing the licensing function.

The fees policy for licensing of residential park homes sites will be published on the council’s website.

Summary of charges

Description	Fee
Application fee small site less than 20 pitches	£575
Application fee large site more than 20 pitches	£900
Variation of licence conditions	£75
Depositing site rules	£25
Replacement licence	£25

Enforcement charges

Fixed Penalty Notice

For minor breaches of site licence conditions the Act allows a local authority to issue a fixed penalty notice.

The amount specified for a fixed penalty notice mustnot exceed level 1,whichis currently £200

As a fixed penalty notice only serves to fine the site licence holder and does not require the breach to be rectified then the merit in serving such notices will be limited.

Compliance notice

If it appears to the local authority that the site licence conditions have been breached, the local authority may issue a compliance notice. Each compliance notice issued will vary in cost, therefore it not possible to set a flat fee for this action. The local authority will impose a charge on the owner as a means of recovering expenses incurred in –

(a) Deciding whether to serve the notice, and

(b) Preparing and serving the notice or a demand

The expenses referred to include (but are not limited to) the costs of obtaining expert advice (including legal advice). Charges would be based on an hourly rate.

Power to take emergency action

The Act allows a local authority to take emergency action where –

(a) The owner of the land is failing or has failed to comply with a condition of the site licence’ and

(b) As a result of that failure there is an imminent risk of serious harm to the health or safety of any person who is or may be on the land.

The local authority may then demand expenses from the site owner, for expenses incurred –

(a) In deciding whether to take action’

(b) In preparing and serving any notice

The expenses referred to include (but are not limited to) the costs of obtaining expert advice (including legal advice).

More information:

British Holiday and Home Parks Association (opens in a new tab)

National Association of Park Home Residents (opens in a new tab)

Welsh Government Guidance (opens in a new tab)

Residential Property Tribunal Wales (opens in a new tab)

Lease Park Homes Advisory Service (opens in a new tab)

Caravan site licence conditons

1. Site manager

Where there is a change in the person by whom the site is managed, a declaration must be made by the holder of the site licence to the local authority that the new manager is a fit and proper person to manage the site

2. The boundaries and plan of the site

(i) The boundaries of the site from any adjoining land must be clearly marked by a man made or natural feature.
(ii) Caravans or combustible structures must not be positioned within 3 metres of the boundary of the site.

(a) A plan of the site must be supplied to the local authority upon the application for a licence and, thereafter whenever there is a material change to the boundaries or layout of the site, or at any other time on the demand of the local authority.

(b) The plan supplied must clearly illustrate the layout of the site including all relevant structures, features and facilities on it and shall be of suitable quality.

3. Density, spacing and parking between caravans

(i) Except in the case mentioned in sub paragraph (iii) and subject to sub paragraph

(iv) every caravan must be spaced at a distance of no less than 6 metres (the separate distance) from any other caravan which is occupied as a separate residence.

(ii) No caravan must be stationed within 2 metres of any road or communal car park within the site or more than 50 metres from such a road within the site.

(iii) Where a caravan has retrospectively been fitted with cladding that accords with currently approved fire rated materials to its facing walls, then the separation distance between it and an adjacent caravan may be reduced may be reduced to a minimum of 5.25 metres.

(iv) In any case mentioned in subparagraph (i) or (iii):

(a) A porch attached to the caravan may protrude one metre into the separation zone and must not exceed 2 metres in length and 1 metre in depth. The porch must not exceed the height of the caravan. Where a porch is installed only one door may be permitted at that entrance to the home, either on the porch or on the home.

(b) Eaves, drainpipes and bay windows may extend into the separation distance provided the total distance between the extremities of two facing caravans is not less than 5 metres.

(c) Any structure including steps, ramps, etc (except a garage or car port) which extends more than 1 metre into the separation zone must be of noncombustible construction. There should be a 4.5 metre clear space between adjoining caravans.

(d) A garage or car port may only be permitted within the separation distance if it is of non-combustible construction.

(e) Windows in structures within the separation distance must not face towards the caravan on either side.

(f) Fences and hedges, where allowed and forming the boundary between neighbouring caravans, must be a maximum of 1 metre high.

(v) The density of caravans on a site must be determined in accordance with relevant health and safety standards and fire risk assessments.

4. Roads, gateways and overhead cables

(i) Roads must be designed to provide adequate access for emergency vehicles and routes within the site for such vehicles must be kept clear of obstruction at all times.
(ii) New roads must be constructed and laid of suitable bitumen macadam or concrete with a suitable compacted base.
(iii) All roads must have adequate surface water/storm drainage.
(iv) New two way roads must not be less than 3.7 metres wide, or if they are designed for and used by one way traffic, 3 metres wide.
(v) One-way systems must be clearly signposted.
(vi) Where existing two way roads are not 3.7 metres wide, passing places must be provided where practical.
(vii) Vehicular access and all gateways to the site must be a minimum of 3.1 metres wide and have a minimum height clearance of 3.7 metres.
(viii) Roads must be maintained in a good condition.
(ix) Cable overhangs must meet statutory requirements.

5. Footpaths and pavements

(i) Every caravan must be connected to a road by a footpath with a hard surface which shall be maintained in good condition.
(ii) Where practicable, communal footpaths and pavements must not be less than 0.9 metres wide.

6. Lighting

Roads, communal footpaths and pavements must be adequately lit between dusk and dawn to allow the safe movement of pedestrians and vehicles around the site during the hours of darkness.

7. Bases

(i) Every unit must stand on a concrete base or hard-standing.
(ii) The base must extend over the whole area occupied by the unit, and must project a sufficient distance outwards from its entrance or entrances to enable occupants to enter and leave safely. The hard standings must be constructed to the industry guidance, current at the time of siting, taking into account local conditions.

8. Maintenance of common areas, including grass, vegetation and trees

(i) Every part of the site to which the public have access must be kept in a clean and tidy condition.
(ii) Every road, communal footpath and pavement on the site must be maintained in a good condition, good repair and clear of rubbish.
(iii) Grass and vegetation must be cut and removed at frequent and regular intervals.
(iv) Trees within the site must (subject to the necessary consents) be maintained.
(v) Any cuttings, litter or waste must be removed from the immediate surrounds of a pitch.

9. Supply & storage of gas etc

(i) Gas (including natural gas) and oil installations, and the storage of supplies must meet current statutory requirements, relevant standards and codes of practice.
(ii) Liquefied Petroleum Gas cylinders must not be positioned or secured in such a way as to impede access or removal in the event of an emergency.

10. Electrical installations

(i) An electricity network of adequate capacity must be installed on the site to meet safely all reasonable demands of the caravans and other facilities and services within it.
(ii) The electrical network installations must be subject to regulation under current relevant legislation and must be designed, installed, tested, inspected and maintained in accordance with the provisions of the current relevant statutory requirements.
(iii) Any work on electrical installations and appliances must be carried out only by persons who are qualified in the particular type of work being undertaken, and in accordance with current relevant regulations.
(iv) Any work on the electrical network within the site must be carried out by a competent person fully conversant with the appropriate statutory requirements.

11. Water supply

(i) All pitches on the site must be provided with a water supply sufficient in all respects to meet all reasonable demands of the caravans situated on them.
(ii) All new water supplies must be in accordance with all current legislation, regulations and relevant British or European standards.
(iii) All repairs and improvements to water supplies and installations must be carried out to conform with current legislation and British or European standards.
(iv) Work on water supplies and installations must be carried out only by persons who are qualified in the particular type of work being undertaken and must be in accordance with current relevant legislation and British or European standards.

12. Drainage and sanitation

(i) Surface water drainage must be provided where appropriate to avoid standing pools of water.
(ii) There must be satisfactory provision for foul and waste water drainage either by connection to a public sewer or sewage treatment works or by discharge to a properly constructed septic tank or cesspool approved by the local authority.
(iii) All drainage and sanitation provision must be in accordance with all current legislation and British and European standards.
(iv) Work on drains and sewers must be carried out only by persons who are qualified in the particular type of work being undertaken and in accordance with current legislation and British or European standards.

13. Domestic refuse storage & disposal

(i) Where communal refuse bins are provided these must be non-combustible and housed within a properly constructed bin store.
(ii) All refuse disposal must be in accordance with all current legislation and regulations.

14. Communal vehicular parking

Suitably surfaces parking spaces must be provided to meet the requirements of residents and their visitors.

15. Communal recreation space

On sites where it is practical to do so, suitable space equivalent to about one tenth of the total area of the site must be allocated for recreational purposes, unless in the local authority’s opinion there are adequate recreational facilities within a close proximity to the site.

16. Notices and information

(i) The name of the site must be displayed on a sign in a prominent position at the entrances to the site, together with;

(a) The name, current address and telephone number of the licenceholder and manager, and emergency contact details for both;
(b) A copy of the site licence or the front page of the said licence and details of where the full licence and other information required to be available under this standard can be viewed, and between which times (if not displayed on the notice board).

(ii) A current plan of the site with roads and pitches marked on it must be prominently displayed at the entrances to it.

(iii) In addition, at the prominent place the following information must also be available for inspection;
(a) A copy of the site owner’s certificate of the public liability insurance;
(b) A copy of the most recent utility bills relating to the site;
(c) A copy of the most recent periodic electrical inspection report;
(d) A copy of the local flood warning system and evacuation procedures if appropriate; and
(e) A copy of the fire risk assessment made for the site.

(iv) All notices must be suitably protected from the weather and from direct sunlight.

17. Flooding

(i) The site owner must establish whether the site is at risk from flooding by referring to the Environment Agency’s Flood Map.
(ii) Where there is risk from flooding the site owner must consult the Environment Agency for advice on the likelihood of flooding, the depths and velocities that might be expected, the availability of a warning service and to take appropriate measures.

18. Requirement to comply with the regulatory reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005

The site owner must make available the latest version of the fire risk assessment carried out under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 for inspection by residents, and when demanded, a copy of the risk assessment must be made available to the local authority.

Residential Mobile Home Sites