Issue - meetings

To provide an update on the Mobile Homes and Caravan Site Licensing and Fee Policy (report of the Assistant Director – Wellbeing and Community Leadership enclosed).

Consideration was given to the report of the Assistant Director – Wellbeing and Community Leadership which provided an update on the Mobile Homes and Caravan Site Licensing and Fee Policy. 

The report was introduced by the Service Manager - Safer Communities and the following main points were highlighted:

• The report outlined activities carried out by the Council in relation to the Mobile Homes and Caravan Site Licensing and Fee Policy; and
• An update to the policy was presented to the Panel and detailed at Appendix A; a minor change to the policy was highlighted at point 3.1.

Members considered the update and made the following comments.

• Members referred to point 2.1 of Appendix A and asked under which circumstances fees applied. The consistency of fee levels for different cases was also queried:
  • The Service Manager - Safer Communities responded that:
    • Where a local authority owned a site, it was not appropriate for charges to apply;
    • Local authorities had the power to waive fees for charitable organisations;
    • A standardised approach to fees applied for licensed activities; and
    • The application fee was separate to the Planning fee.

• Members asked whether any caravan sites were used to accommodate homeless people.
  • The Assistant Director – Wellbeing and Community Leadership confirmed that this was not the case.

• Members noted that some caravan sites were below sea level and asked whether flood warnings were in place for residents.
  • The Service Manager - Safer Communities confirmed that sirens were in place and residents/holidaymakers were encouraged to register for Flood Watch.

• Members referred to point 5.6 of Appendix A and queried the accuracy of the dates stated during which time applications needed to be submitted.
  • The Service Manager - Safer Communities confirmed that applications could be made at any time of the year and the point would be amended to reflect this.

• Members referred to point 5.9 of Appendix A and sought clarification on the type of background checks undertaken.
  • The Service Manager - Safer Communities responded that applicants were required to pass the ‘fit and proper person’ checks. This did not relate to an applicant’s employability unless employment related fraud had been committed.

• Members asked whether a licence application could be in joint names and therefore require more than one ‘fit and proper person’ check.
  • The Service Manager - Safer Communities responded that whilst a single site licence was required, where a legitimate business or personal connection was established, the application could include multiple individuals.

• Members queried whether DBS checks would be a cheaper option.
  • The Service Manager - Safer Communities confirmed that a basic DBS check was carried out as part of the required wider checks.

• Members noted that 50 registered sites required an annual inspection and asked whether the designated inspection resource, of one staff member, was adequate to ensure the work could be completed.
  • The Assistant Director - Wellbeing and Community Leadership stated that:
    • The SHDC officer was extremely experienced;
    • Partnership working had enabled capacity to be shared across the three authorities which offered  ...  view the full minutes text for item 37