Residential Site Licensing in Scotland  

IN MAY 2019 A NEW LICENSING SYSTEM FOR RESIDENTIAL PARKS CAME INTO FORCE IN SCOTLAND.  (SEE BELOW).  THE SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT NOW WISH TO ENQUIRE INTO THE OPERATION OF THE LICENSING SYSTEM AND HELD A CONSULTION ON THE SUBJECT IN EARLY 2021.  WE NOW EXPECT A FORMAL ENQUIRY TO FOLLOW AFTER THE SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT ELECTIONS IN MAY 2021     

RESIDENTIAL SITE OWNERS WERE REQUIRED TO APPLY FOR AND OBTAIN NEW LICENCES BY THE DEADLINE OF 1 MAY 2019

Site owners including companies owning residential park home and lodge sites in Scotland must have a new licence to operate their site by May 2019.    This also applies to mixed holiday and residential sites where residents live permanently as their main or only home.

The licence requirements are stringent with personal and criminal record checks, police and fire authority reports plus checks on the record of running parks; where residents have notified shortcomings or breaches of licence conditions the licensing authority is bound to consider these.  Equally and in fairness, praise for a park owner will also be considered.

Well run parks and enlightened owners are welcomed by SCOPHRA and we will work with them to assist their residents.  Unfortunately, we mostly hear the bad news; failure to maintain the park, lack of lighting, potholes, excessive charges and just not sticking to the rules.  Reports of harassment and intimidation are also regular and such incidents MUST be reported to the Police. Always obtain a crime number from the investigation officer.

Licence applications to local authorities attract a fee (sometimes considerable) which can be passed on to residents in their pitch fees, so it is important that you insist that the local authority police the licence conditions.  In this case the authorities are being paid BY YOU to ensure that licence conditions are met so insist on action where it is required.

If you have issues or complaints about the running of your park, make sure you write immediately to your Council setting out the issues; consider banding with your neighbours to send a joint letter.  Involve your local councillors for support and also your MSP.  Remember it is YOUR right.

If you want help, contact us at SCOPHRA now, using the feedback form (click here) and we will get back to you by return.