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The Caravan and Control of Development Act 1960 prohibits the use of land as a caravan site unless the occupier holds a site licence issued by the local authority.

There are some exceptions:

• A caravan sited within the curtilage of a dwelling if its use is incidental to the dwelling. This means it cannot be occupied separately;
  
• A single caravan sited for not more than two consecutive nights for a maximum of 28 days in any 12 months;
  
• Up to three caravans on a site of not less than five acres for a maximum of 28 days in any 12 months;
  
• Sites occupied by exempted organisations such as the Caravan Club;
  
• Sites of up to 5 caravans certified by an exempt organisation and which are for members only;
  
• Sites occupied by the local authority. These are usually travellers' sites;
  
• Sites for temporary and special purposes such as caravan rallies, agricultural and forestry workers, building and engineering sites, and travelling salesmen;
  
• A site for tents only can be used for a maximum of 28 days in any 12 months.