What is a Site Licence?

Every park that accommodates mobile homes or park homes must, by law, have a site licence issued by the local council (the local authority). This licence grants the site owner legal permission to operate the land as a mobile home park.

Crucially for you as a resident, the site licence dictates exactly how the park is run. It covers health and safety standards, the layout of the park, the distance required between homes, and what the park can legally be used for.

Residential vs. Holiday Licences: The Vital Difference

The single most important thing to check on a site licence is whether it is for residential or holiday use. Mixing these up is the most common and costly mistake new buyers make.

Fully Residential (Protected):

If the park has a permanent residential licence, it means you can legally live there 12 months of the year as your main, permanent address. You are fully protected under the Mobile Homes Act 1983, which gives you strong security of tenure.


Holiday / Leisure (Unprotected):

If the park has a holiday or leisure licence, you cannot legally use the home as your main residence. You must have a primary address elsewhere, and the park may close for certain months of the year. You will not have protection under the Mobile Homes Act.

What else does the Site Licence control?

Alongside the residential status, the site licence will clearly stipulate the specific rules the park owner and the residents must adhere to. These often include:

  • Age Restrictions: It will confirm if the park is legally designated as, for example, strictly over-50s or over-55s.
  • Spacing and Boundaries: It dictates the mandatory fire-safety gap between homes (usually 6 metres) and rules about what can be built in that space (like porches, fences, or sheds).
  • Vehicle Limits: Rules on parking, commercial vehicles, or motorhomes on the site.
  • Number of Homes: The maximum number of homes the site owner is legally allowed to have on the park.

The 'Fit and Proper Person' Test

Since 2021, UK law requires all managers and owners of residential parks to pass a "Fit and Proper Person" test administered by the local council. This ensures that the individual running the site has the right financial standing and management competence. The council keeps a public register of this, which sits alongside the site licence.

Where can I see the Site Licence?

By law, the site owner must display a copy of the current site licence in a prominent, publicly accessible place on the park—most commonly on the community notice board or at the park office. If you cannot find it, you can request a copy directly from the local council, who maintain a public register of all licensed parks in their jurisdiction.

Key Takeaway for Buyers

Never rely solely on verbal assurances or marketing brochures. Before you sign any paperwork or pay a deposit, always read the official site licence to guarantee the park offers the permanent residential security and lifestyle you are looking for.