The introduction of The Mobile Homes Act 2013 (the Act) provides greater protection to occupiers of residential park homes and caravans. It introduces important changes to the Caravan Sites and Control of Development Act 1960. The changes directly affect the way the Council licenses permanent residential sites. (These are known as relevant protected sites).
Amongst the changes introduced, local authorities can now charge fees, on a cost-recovery basis, in relation to applications for:
- new licences,
- transfers
- and amendments.
An annual fee can also be charged for holding a site licence. Fees only apply to those sites that fall within the relevant protected site definition.
The Council is required to publish a fees policy and the level of fee is based upon:
- the estimated time
- and cost
involved in undertaking the inspection and administrative activities involved. Cornwall Council's fee structure is set out in our Park Homes Fees Policy.
What is a Protected Site?
A protected site is a mobile home park which has planning permission to have residents living there as their main residence throughout the year. A holiday park isn't a protected site. An exemption from the Protected Sites description and annual licensing fee requirement is any site(s) for the sole use of the owner and their families (excluding sites that are run for financial gain).
Protected Sites and Site Rules
Each Protected Site that has site rules in place must deposit those rules with the Local Authority, who will keep a Public Register of Site Rules. Site rules will be accepted and published by the Council if:
- the correct fee is paid,
- the contents are consistent with legislation
- and that the site owner can provide evidence that the rules have been correctly consulted upon.
- There must also be confirmation that there are no outstanding appeals by residents etc.
Site rules that have been duly deposited with the Council will be published on the Council's website and available to view or download. The fee charged for depositing site rules with the Council can be found in our Park Homes Fees Policy.
View the Public Register of Site Rules
Information on Rights for Residents
Tenancy rights can be complicated and depend on your situation. You should get legal advice if you think your landlord is treating you unfairly.
Information for Site Owners and Managers
The Mobile Homes (Requirements for Manager of Site to Fit and Proper) (England) Regulations 2020 came into force on 1 July 2021.
The regulations apply to all relevant protected sites, as defined in section 5A(5) of the Caravan Sites and Control of Development Act 1960.
This includes both wholly residential and mixed use (holiday and residential) sites.
The only sites exempted by the regulations are;
- Sites which are occupied by members of the same family and not being run as commercial (where units are sold or rented to residents) residential sites.
The person responsible for managing the site must be a fit and proper person.
Find out more about the requirements for site managers and download the application form by following the button below.