Information on new licensing scheme for caravan sites
All landowners who allow use of
their land for caravans during the Fair have to obtain planning
permission and a site licence if that land is located within a
1.5 mile radius of Fair Hill. A total of six sites gained
planning consent in 2009 and were issued with a site licence.
Fair Hill already had the benefit of a permanent planning
permission granted in 1972 and can accommodate 600 caravans.
Interactive campsite map.
The licensing scheme was introduced to ensure that land owners
and site operators conform to minimum welfare and safety
standards. Any site operator, who does not have such permission
and allows caravans on to their land may be subject to legal
action.
The site licence
requires land owners of caravan sites to provide adequate toilet provision for the people who are camped on their site. Land owners who fail to comply with their site’s licence conditions risk prosecution. As well as improving toilet facilities on the caravan sites, efforts are being made to improve the toilet facilities in the town.
This approach was agreed by the Multi Agency Strategic Co-ordinating Group (MASCG), which was formed in October 2007, to bring together and co-ordinate the response from the public agencies involved in the Horse Fair. Licensing of caravan sites forms a key part of MASCG three-year improvement plan for Appleby Horse Fair.
The reasons behind these proposals are:
- To ensure all sites are treated equitably and provide facilities to the same standard of scale.
- To improve the welfare and safety standards for those staying on the sites and reduce impact on local residential areas.
- To prevent further uncontrolled spread of the Fair in terms of both location and duration, so preventing ‘mini fairs’ becoming established in other locations.
- To address safety concerns, expressed by the statutory agencies and by those who stay on the caravan sites.
- Land owners / persons in control of caravan sites are themselves vulnerable if not taking reasonable precautions to control safety.
- Change in legislation e.g. Fire Safety legislation.
The planning permission given in February 2009 applies for a temporary three-year basis, expiring after the 2011 Fair. The total number of caravans that can be accommodated on the seven licensed sites is 1540
Images from the fair...
