The application process

Applying to become a Certificated Site owner is easy; simply complete the online application form and we will contact you about your next steps.

Filling in the application form

The form is straightforward to complete and should only take a few minutes of your time. While completing the form you will be asked to provide:

• Your contact details
• Directions to your campsite from the nearest main road
• The ordnance survey map sheet number for the campsite location – this can be found by visiting http://getamap.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/getamap/frames.htm and clicking the green ‘buy a map’ link on the right hand side. Type your postcode into the search box and the results will bring up the map number that you need – you will need the OS Landranger Map, which usually is the first result displayed.
• The ordnance survey grid reference for your location – this can be found by visiting http://getamap.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/getamap/frames.htm and inputting your postcode.

You will also need to upload a map of the proposed campsite area. This can be done via Google Maps (step by step instructions are provided within the form) or you can upload a sketch plan of the site showing:

• Access routes
• Adjacent neighbours to the site
• Screening such as shrubbery or trees

Once the form has been received

We want all of our campsites to be a success so, once we have received your application, we will consider the number of other Certificated Sites and the demand for camping in your area. If we believe the site will be profitable for you, we will send out a Site Development Officer to visit you.

Our Site Development Officers are not just Club members and experienced campers; they also know all about setting up a CS and will give you invaluable advice. They can help with all aspects of starting a campsite including layout, access, price and what our members will be looking for when they stay.

Under the terms of the exemptions granted to the Club, we are required to consider the views of the Local Authority and residents who may be affected by having a five-van site in close proximity to them. We will write to both as part of the application process, asking them for their views. Hand delivered letters will be left with residents during the initial visit.

Completing work so a certificate can be issued

After the first visit and consultations, you will receive a ‘Works to be Completed’ letter from the Exempted Camping Team. This letter details any work that needs to be completed before the Club can issue you with a certificate. At this stage, you will have already discussed any work with the Site Development Officer; however it is essential that you do not start any work until you have received this letter.

Once we have received written confirmation from you that any necessary work is completed, the Site Development Officer will revisit you for a final inspection. This is to confirm that the site now meets the requirements for certification. We will then agree your basic advertising listing for our website and our biennial publication Your Big Sites Book. We will then issue you with your certificate and a site sign that must be displayed at the entrance to your site. Additional site signs can be purchased by contacting the Exempted Camping Team.

Terms and Conditions of your Certificate

By signing the application form, you are agreeing to operate the site under the terms and conditions stated below. If the site has previously received objections or complaints from neighbours or Local Authorities, we reserve the right to consider these objections and consult with these parties before issuing a new certificate. Below is a list of terms and conditions you are agreeing to abide by upon signing the attached application form

You must:

• Not permit more than five caravans or motorhomes to be stationed on the land at any one time, plus no more than ten tents, unless express permission has been granted by the Club
• Provide and maintain all facilities on site to the standard expected by the Club and its members
• Annually provide evidence of Public Liability Insurance
• Check the valid membership of anyone wishing to camp and keep a record of names and membership numbers. These will need to be reported to the Club at the end of each season
• Ensure all units are pitched properly in accordance with the six metre rule
• Not permit sub-letting or storage of caravans on Certificated Sites
• Not permit a camper to remain on site for longer than 28 consecutive days
• Notify the Club of any change of ownership or closure
• Notify the Club of any change to details that may affect the site or its operation
• Ensure that the site is only used by members for recreational touring purposes
• Annually provide water and electrical test certificates, if applicable

While legislation allows an individual to stay on your site for 28 consecutive days, leave for one night and then return for a further 28 days, the spirit of the certificate is to promote and enable recreational touring. Evidence of sites accommodating workers, permanent residents, or breaking any of the conditions in this document will be considered in breach of Club expectations, and the certificate could be revoked.