Site Licenses

[nickburt]

How do I find out if a touring site has a valid license ?

We recently stayed on site, supposedly for 50 units (tents and caravans), after the first couple of days we were told that we couldn't empty the chemical toilet anywhere. Surely this is in breach of any permission that may have been granted to the owner ?

(Stupidly, we didn't think to ask about it before pitching !! Water and wastewater points were obvious)

 

[James3]

If a site is certified by the local authority it should display this certificate in reception or on a notice board. I would say that all certified sites including CL's must have facilities for emptying chemical waste, even if it is just a WC. I find it strange that any site that allows caravans or trailer tents does not have these facilities. Some tents only sites however may not have CDP's.

 

[nickburt]

My point exactly. I can understand a tents only site not having CDPs, but one that is clearly advertised as a caravan and camping site for 50 units should be providing at least minimum services.

There was no sign of the license or certificate in the "reception" (it's run by a pub).

I would have thought it would be part of the planning permission and the local council licensing.

I've emailed the relevant council for their comments etc... watch this space.

Anyone else had this problem ?

 

[Caroline3]

Well at least you have done something about it. I have read so many complaints about sites on this forum and others i just can't understand why people put up with it. ( The threads about Haven sites etc and other big commercial sites are horrendous)Why doesn't everyone complain first to the site, then in writing to the site, and send copies of the letter to trading standards and the local council. i am sure half these people are in breach of their licence. We have a B&b and we are closly vetted by the tourist board and the local authority and our local tourist association.I would WANT people to complain about me if there isa problem for everyones sake. I am not allowed to have more people in the house than I am liceanced for so why are campsites any different.

 

[James3]

Very valid point about complaining if a site is not good enough.

Many sites now have wonderful web sites and excellent brochures but some certainly oversell what they have and quite often the site does not match up to their advertising.

It can be useful to check on the grading of the site either by the Tourist Board or AA. You need to check the criteria that the TB or AA use to grade the sites and if the site does not meet these standards you can complain to the TB or AA or both !. I understand that they normally do not enter into any correspondence but do get their inspectors to take up the complaint.Many local authorities pass on complaints to the TB & AA and get them to try and sort it.

Also a lot of sites have these 28 day license extensions which allow them to use an extra field during busy periods July/Aug. and this can really stretch facilities on site.