Agenda item

RECOMMENDED:      1) That the report be noted and the approach to dealing with, and enforcement associated with residential caravan sites be endorsed.

2) That the amendments to the standard residential caravan site licence conditions be approved.

3) That the adoption of the proposed Fees Policy to commence on the 1st April 2016 be agreed.

4) That the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder with responsibility for Housing and Community be given delegated authority to make minor amendments to the standard conditions to ensure it complies with legislative requirements, Government Guidance and caselaw.

Reason for Decision

To ensure residential caravan site licence conditions are updated, appropriately enforced and to ensure that the licensing function is appropriately funded.

The Housing Services Operations Manager presented a report which explained that there had been legislative changes in the last 2 years in relation to the regulation of residential caravans and park homes. These included the ability of the Council to charge fees for site licensing and taking action in the case of poor standards on sites. Importantly the Council now also had to consider the proposed arrangements for the management and maintenance of sites in respect of new site licence applications, or transfer applications.  In relation to park homes, there were also changes in respect of pitch fees, sales and site rules.

A report to Cabinet in June 2014 identified the issues and approved public consultation in relation to the changes and including proposed revised residential caravan site licence conditions.

This report brings forward the results of the consultation, the proposed amended residential caravan site licence conditions and a proposed fees policy. 

Councillor Long drew attention to the fact it had been a critical piece of work, particularly bearing in mind the tragic events in Ireland in recent weeks.  He stressed that any work done would be for the residents’ safety.

Councillor Beales sought confirmation that a key objective of the proposed schedule of charges was to provide income for the Council to monitor conditions on caravans sites with a view to maintaining and improving the quality of life of the residents. The Housing Services Manager – Operations confirmed that this was indeed the case but warned it was not possible to charge for enforcement as part of the fees and these circumstances would have to be dealt with under separate arrangements.

Councillor Pope asked why the Council was the second highest level of fees, and if the Borough had any 75 berth sites.  The Housing Services Operations Manager explained that as the Government Guidance was new, each authority was setting its fee levels. The proposed fees were in keeping with the Government Guidance, and they would be reviewed in the light of actual costs and the fees policy may be reviewed in 12 months.  She undertook to provide information to Cabinet Members on the numbers of pitches on different sites.  Councillor Blunt also asked if a comparison could be given of the numbers of sites at each charging level.

Councillor Lawrence congratulated officers on providing the policy which would hopefully make residents living conditions better and safer.

It was noted that at their previous meeting the Joint Panels had supported the report. 

RECOMMENDED:  1) That the report be noted and the approach to dealing with, and enforcement associated with residential caravan sites be endorsed.

2) That the amendments to the standard residential caravan site licence conditions be approved.

3) That the adoption of the proposed Fees Policy to commence on the 1st April 2016 be agreed.

4) That the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder with responsibility for Housing and Community be given delegated authority to make minor amendments to the standard conditions to ensure it complies with legislative requirements, Government Guidance and caselaw.