Definition of protected site

The planning permission or site licence must not be granted for holiday use only and must not limit the times of the year when caravans can be stationed. [1] If the site owner requires a site licence but fails to apply for one then the site will nonetheless be a protected site, but the site owner may face criminal proceedings. [2] Caravan sites owned by local authorities are an exception; [3] they do not require a licence, but are nevertheless protected sites.

The following caravan sites require no site licences and are not protected sites: [4]

• Where a mobile home is situated within the curtilage of a dwelling house and use of it is incidental to the enjoyment of that dwelling house. The caravan must not be used as a main or principal residence.

• Travelling caravans stationed for up to two nights.

• Use of undeveloped land of not less than five acres where no more than three caravans have been stationed for not more than 28 days in the year.

• Use of land as a caravan site by exempted organisations such as Boy Scouts and Girl Guides.

• Use of land as a caravan site on agricultural land used temporarily by seasonal workers in agriculture or forestry.

• Mobile homes stationed on or next to engineering or building sites, to provide accommodation for employees during the course of their work.

• Use of land by travelling showmen, provided that they belong to an organisation recognised by the Secretary of State for Scotland and are either travelling as part of their business or are taking up winter quarters.