by Tom Walsh
Owners of mobile home parks across Wales will have to take a “fit and proper person” test before being granted a licence under new legislation.
The Welsh Assembly has introduced the Mobile Homes (Wales) Act 2013 which is designed to modernise the current licensing regime for residential mobile homes.
Ministers want to improve conditions on site as well as standards in the industry while also protecting the rights of residents.
Among the new rules to own a caravan or camping park is that site managers will have to undergo a series of tests to deem whether they are eligible to own a facility of this ilk.
Site owners will no longer be able to block or veto the sale of a mobile home and they will be required to apply for a licence from the local authority which will last for up to five years.
Councils will play a more prominent role in the procedure and will be given the power to carry out emergency works should it be needed and even appoint an interim manager if necessary.
