Other licences & permits

Your food business may require approval if you intend to use ‘unprocessed products of animal origin', e.g. fresh meat, raw minced meat, raw milk and eggs, to produce any or a combination of the following (subject to approval under regulation (EC) no. 853/2004): 

• minced meat 
• meat preparations 
• mechanically separated meat 
• meat products 
• live bi-valve molluscs 
• fishery products 
• raw milk (other than raw cow’s milk) 
• dairy products 
• eggs (not primary production) 
• egg products 
• frogs' legs and snails 
• rendered animal fats and greaves  
• treated stomachs, bladders and intestines 
• gelatine and collagen 
• certain cold stores 
• certain wholesale markets 
•  

There are a number of requirements which need to be followed and businesses cannot operate until their food operation has been approved by this authority. 

If you are a retailer, or have a genuine retail element to your business (i.e. farm gate sales), and intend to supply other retailers or caterers, you could be exempt from approval if the supply of the food of animal origin is ‘marginal, localised and restricted'. 
 
Marginal is interpreted as a small part of the establishment’s business, meaning up to a quarter of the business in terms of food or less than two tonnes in terms of meat. 
 
Localised is interpreted as sales supplying establishments within our own county, plus the greater of either the neighbouring county or counties or 30 miles from the boundary of the supplying establishments county. 
 
Restricted is interpreted as concerning only certain types of products being made or establishments being supplied. 

The approval process requires you put in place procedures to manage food safety, and these procedures are based on hazard analysis and critical control points (HACCP) principles. 
 
The HACCP principles are: 

• To identify any hazards that must be prevented, eliminated or reduced to acceptable levels. 
• To identify the critical control points (CCPs) at the step(s) at which control is essential to prevent or eliminate a hazard or to reduce it to acceptable levels. 

 

HACCP also establishes: 

• A critical limit at those CCPs which separate acceptability from unacceptability for the prevention, elimination or reduction of identified hazards. 
• Effective monitoring procedures at critical control points, which are also implemented. 
• Corrective actions when monitoring indicates a CCP is not under control. 
• Procedures to verify the above measures are working effectively. 
• Documents and records proportionate with the nature and size of the food business to ensure the above measures are effective. 

 

Before implementing your system, a prerequisite programme should be in place. Consider aspects such as sanitation, training, waste management and pest control. 
  
Once you have put these prerequisites in place, a process workflow for each of your products is advised. This requires you to think about where the raw materials will be stored and managed, stock control and rotation, avoiding raw materials coming into contact with processed products and where the finished product will be stored after production. 

If you think your proposed food business may need approval, please contact us to arrange a visit. There may need to be a planned programme in order to achieve approval and employees may need to gain further training proportionate to the size and nature of the business. 

• An approval application form will be sent or can be completed online via our online application form. 

There will be other information required to be sent with the completed form. 
 
This will include the (proposed) arrangements for: 

• Waste collection and disposal arrangements. 
• Water supply quality testing arrangements. 
• Arrangements for product testing (shelf life/microbiological/water). 
• Pest control arrangements. 
• Arrangements for monitoring staff health and staff hygiene training. 
• Record keeping. 
• Applying the identification mark to product packaging or wrapping. 

You are also required to have received adequate training in the application of HACCP principles, and for you and your staff to have been instructed or trained in food hygiene matters. If you are unable to find where to receive this training, please contact us as we may be able to direct you to the appropriate trainer. 
 
Once your business is approved, the council will issue your establishment with a unique approval number, which makes up part of the standard identification mark. This must be applied to your products and documentation. 

The Caravan Sites and Control of Development Act 1960 prohibits the use of land as a caravan site without a licence, and Northumberland County Council are responsible for the licencing in this county. 
 
This includes sites that are used for the purposes of touring caravans, static caravans and caravan sites that are used for permanent residential accommodation – also called park homes. 
 
A licence authorises, in accordance with planning consent, the site owner to position caravans intended for the purpose of occupation on any land. 
 
It will set conditions that cover a wide variety of health and safety standards relating to the site, including: 

• Restricting when caravans can be on the site for occupancy. 
• Restricting the number of caravans that can be on the site at any one time. 
• Controlling the types of caravans on the site. 
• Controlling the positioning of the caravans or regulating the use of other structures and vehicles. 
• Fire safety and firefighting controls. 
• Ensuring sanitary and other facilities, services and equipment are supplied and maintained. 
• Ensuring steps are taken to enhance the land, including planting/replanting bushes and trees. 

Each caravan site should display a copy of their current licence and its conditions, including the spacing between caravans, the provision of roadways and fire points. 

Before development, all site owners must obtain planning permission. They must comply with any conditions set by the development control section before operating a site. 

For existing caravan parks, all applicable conditions will be attached to the site licence. 
 
The Secretary of State sometimes publishes model standards representing what is normally expected as good practice on caravan sites. They do not replace existing conditions but should be considered when applying licence conditions to new sites, sites that have been substantially redeveloped, and when considering variations to existing licences.  
 
If a current licence condition is adequate, the authority will not normally apply the new standard. If a new standard is to be applied, the local authority should be able to justify its reasons for doing so regarding the circumstance of the site. It will also state the benefit the standard will achieve and what the interests are to both residents and site owners, including the cost of compliance to the new condition. 

• For further information, please visit this website. 

Helpful documents 

• Part 1 – Permanent Residential Mobile Home Parks (Park Homes) 
• Part 2 – Holiday Caravan Parks  
• Part 3 – Touring Caravan and Camping Sites 

Click here for the Fit & Proper Person Register. There are a number of other sites that have a permit for one or two residential units but these are not listed.
  
The council’s current licence conditions cover matters such as: 

• The maintenance and cleanliness of the park. 
• The spacing of units from each other. 
• The site boundaries and roads. 
• The gross density of units on the site (number to the acre). 
• The prohibition of combustible storage sheds between units. 
• The width and maintenance of site roads and hard standings. 
• Fire precautions. 
• The storage of bottled gas and the safety of electrical installations. 
• Water supply and drainage. 
• Refuse disposal. 

Sites are inspected on an annual basis to ensure: 

• The basic health and safety of residents and others on parks is achieved. 
• Physical conditions on the parks are maintained and improved. 
• Through consultation the views of park operators and residents are considered when licence conditions are being reviewed. 

The Mobile Homes Act came into effect on 1 April 2014 and was designed to give greater protection to occupiers of residential mobile homes. There are provisions within the act that are aimed at raising standards in the industry and delivering a more professional service to homeowners. 
 
There is also more effective enforcement action that can be taken against site operators who do not comply with their licence obligations. This includes compliance notices to deal with these breaches, and will: 

• Set out the breaches which have been identified. 
• Tell the park owner what must be done to correct the breaches. 
• Tell the park owner when they must correct the breaches. 
• Explain how the park owner may appeal against the notice. 

 

Site rules 
The following rules are for all licensed mobile home sites, except those where the occupier rents their mobile home from the site owner or where the mobile home is not legally allowed to be occupied all year round, such as a holiday park. 
 
Most mobile homes sites have rules that are prepared by the site owner for the benefit of both owners and residents, ensuring acceptable standards are maintained. However, to ensure residents are able to exercise their rights, all existing site rules ceased to have effect from February 2015. 
 
Site owners now need to follow a legal process of consulting their residents about the new site rules they wish to introduce. If residents do not agree with these, they can appeal the decision to a tribunal. 
 
There are some laws that will govern what can and cannot be included in site rules. Once the rules have been agreed they must be given to the local authority, and we will publish them on our website. 
 
Northumberland County Council does not have any enforcement powers to object site rules. Please seek legal advice if you disagree with rules in place for your site. 
 
Please see below for our current list and for more information, please read our questions and answers on changes to site rules procedure. 
  

Date Deposited	Name and Address of Site	Site Rules
10/10/2014	Bridgend Caravan Park, South Road, Wooler, NE71 6QG	Click here to view rules
29/01/2015	Ord House Caravan Park, East Ord, Wooler, Northumberland, TD15 2NS	Click here to view rules
03/02/2015	Yont the Cleugh, Coanwood, Haltwhistle, NE49 0QN, Pinewood Grove Home Park	Click here to view rules
11/03/2015	Blenkinsopp Castle Home Park Estate, Greenhead, Carlisle, Cumbria, CA6 7JS	Click here to view rules
24/10/2023	Mountgate Caravans, Silver Carrs Residential site, Low Hauxley, Northumberland, NE65 0JR	Site rules will be available soon
24/10/2023	The View at Treetops, Treetops West, Whittingham, Alnwick, NE65 4RG	Click here to view rules

Application forms 

• Application for the transfer of caravan site licence (Word) 
• Application to replace appointed manager of caravan site (Word) 
• Application for licence to use land as a site for moveable dwellings (Word) 
• Application for a site licence (Word) 
• Application to amend site licence conditions (Word) 
• Application for inclusion on the fit and proper person register (Word)  

To submit a form either email it to licensing@northumberland.gov.uk or post it to the following address: 
 
Northumberland County Council 
Licensing Department, 
West Hartford Fire Station
West Hartford Business Park
Cramlington 
Northumberland 
NE23 3JP

 

• Application for the transfer of caravan site licence (Word)
• Application for the transfer of caravan site licence (PDF)
• Application to replace appointed manager of caravan site (Word)
• Application to replace appointed manager of caravan site (PDF)
• Application for licence to use land as a site for moveable dwellings (Word)
• Application for licence to use land as a site for moveable dwellings (PDF)
• Application for a site licence (Word)
• Application for a site licence (PDF)
• Application to amend site licence conditions (Word)
• Application to amend site licence conditions (PDF)
• Application for inclusion on the fit and proper person register (Word)
• Application for inclusion on the fit and proper person register (PDF)

To submit a form either email it to licensing@northumberland.gov.uk or post it to the following address:

Northumberland County Council
Licensing Department,
Stakeford Depot
East View
Stakeford
Northumberland
NE62 5TR

To apply for a child employment licence or read the information guide, download the documents below. 

• child employment application form 
• child employment guide 

Licensing is available to protect the health, education and welfare of child entertainers. 
 
Children up until compulsory school leaving age (the last Friday in June in the school year when they turn 16) taking part in entertainment performances or activities may need to be licensed.  

Applications for a child entertainment licence need to be made 21 days before a performance for processing to take place. 
 
Click the documents below for application forms for child entertainers and a guide. 

• Click here to download the application form. 
• Click here to see the guide for children in entertainment. 

Child performance licences are issued by: 
 
Northumbria House 
Cramlington 
Northumberland 
NE23 6UR 
 
Enquiries can be made on 01670 624178. The local authority must be satisfied the arrangements for supervision and protection of the child are adequate. 
 
The law requires children involved in performances must be chaperoned by a licensed person approved by the local authority, unless that person is the child’s parent. 

An application to a chaperone can be downloaded below: 

• Click here to download the application form. 
• guide for chaperones 

 We are always willing to give advice on legislation or practical problems, so if you are considering setting up a business, or wish to discuss anything in relation to your existing premises, please feel free to contact us. 

If you control a non-domestic premises, you must notify the council. Notification must be in writing (including by electronic means) on a form approved by the Health and Safety Executive. 
 
You must tell us about any changes in information, including if the device is no longer notifiable, in writing within one month of the change. 

Click here for a summary of the regulation relating to this licence. 

Please check when you make your application as it depends upon your circumstances.  
 
If the answer is yes: 
This means you’ll be able to act as though your application is granted, even if you haven’t heard from the local authority by the end of the target completion period. 
 
If the answer is no:  
If you haven’t heard from the council within a reasonable period, please contact us. 

 

Tell us about a change to any existing cooling towers or evaporative condensers on your premises. 

Please contact Northumberland County Council if your application has failed and you are requiring more detail or redress.

We would always advise you contact the trader in the form a letter with proof of delivery. If that hasn’t worked and you are located in the UK, Citizens Advice can assist you.  

This could be about noise, pollution, etc. or when one licence holder complains about another. 

The registration of businesses used for food operations, including market stalls, delivery vehicles and other moveable structures, is required by law. 
 
It involves completing a simple form which asks the name, address, type of food business, name of the proprietor and address of head office or registered office. 
 
It is an offence to give false or incomplete information. Article 6 of EC 852/2004 requires food business operators to notify local authorities of their business operations. 
 
The purpose of the registration is to provide information for the local authority, which is responsible for enforcing food law, about the food businesses in its area so it can target inspection and education programmes effectively. 
 
The obligation to register and notify changes to the local authority lies with the proprietor of the food business. The form businesses use to register their premises is part of the regulations

How to Register

Registration of your food business is free.  You can register a food business by completing an on-line form.

Please complete all the boxes that apply to your business and give as much information as possible

If you do not provide enough details your registration may be delayed while we obtain further information from you

Once you have submitted your form on-line you will be sent confirmation of your successful registration via email.

All food businesses have to register unless they are exempt. The proprietor must tell (or arrange for someone else to tell) the local authority about any premises used for storing, selling, distributing or preparing food. 
 
Food premises includes restaurants, hotels, cafes, shops, supermarkets, staff canteens, kitchens in offices, warehouses, guest houses, delivery vehicles, buffet cars on trains, market and other stalls, hot dog and ice cream vans, etc. 
 
If you use vehicles for your food business in connection with permanent premises such as a shop or warehouse, you only need to tell the local authority how many vehicles you have. You do not need to register each vehicle separately. If you have one or more vehicles, but no permanent premises, you must tell the authority where they are normally kept. 
 
Most premises will have to be registered. However, certain premises are exempt from registration, e.g. some which are already registered for food law purposes, certain agricultural premises, motor cars, tents and marquees (but not stalls), some domestic premises and some village halls. 
 
You should contact the public protection commercial team if you think you might be exempt. 

When do I register? 
Anyone starting a new food business must register with their local authority at least 28 days before opening. 
 
Is there a charge? 
There is no charge for registration and local authorities cannot refuse to register premises. 
 
What happens once I've registered? 
Once a registration form has been received, the premises and food handling activities will be inspected to ensure it does not present a health risk to the public and complies with food hygiene law. 
 
Does it run out after a period of time? 
Registration does not need periodic renewal. However, it is the responsibility of the proprietor to notify the local authority of any changes in the detail provided. 
 
What happens to my information? 
The local authority is required to keep a register, open to inspection by the public, containing the name and address of the food premises concerned and the type of business operated there. Apart from this, the remaining information on the form is confidential.   
 
You must inform us of any changes 
Once you have registered, you must keep us informed of change of proprietor, if the nature of the business changes, or if there is a change of the address at which moveable premises are kept. The new proprietor will have to register with us. 
 
Remember, as an employer or self-employed person, you must also comply with health and safety law, and products you sell will be subject to trading standards controls. 

 

If you will be carrying out house-to-house collections for charitable purposes in England and Wales, you must obtain a licence from the local authority. 

• To view a summary of the regulation relating to this licence, please click here.

No. It is in the public interest for the authority to process your application before it can be granted. 
 
If you haven’t heard anything within a reasonable period, please contact the local authority either online if you applied through the UK Welcomes service or by: 

• Email: licensing@northumberland.gov.uk 

• To apply to run a charitable collection, please follow this link. 
• To notify us of the result of a charitable collection, please click here.  

If your application is refused, please first contact your local authority. You then have the right to appeal to the minister for the cabinet office. Appeals must be lodged within 14 days of the decision. 

In the event of a complaint about a house-to-house collection, please contact the licensing section. 

Northumberland County Council introduced a free registration scheme for anyone launching a craft or using a vehicle at Newbiggin Bay. This is to ensure users are safe and responsible. 

Commercial fisherman, and local boat and sailing clubs, have already signed up for the scheme. You will have to register if you: 

• Are a user of a mechanically propelled craft – the bay is broken up into zones for this purpose. 
• Use a vehicle to collect coal from the beach. 
• Want to launch a boat or personal watercraft such as a jet ski. 

 

 

• Please download and complete our vehicle registration form. 

 

You will also need to sign the applicable conditions below: 

• conditions of launching 
• conditions of vehicle access 

Completed forms and signed conditions can be emailed to Arthur.Cranson@northumberland.gov.uk or posted to the below address: 
  
Arthur Cranson 
Coastal Warden 
Northumberland County Council 
Fort House 
Education Resource Centre 
Links Road 
South Beach 
Blyth 
Northumberland 
NE24 3PQ 
 
Phone enquiries to 01670 797323 

A storage certificate will allow you to keep an approved quantity of petroleum. 
 
“Petroleum” includes any product of crude petroleum that has a flashpoint below 21°C, including petrol, benzene, pentane and any mixture containing these products. 
 
If you store petroleum spirit for dispensing purposes, and are either of the following, you need a storage certificate: 

• Retail petrol filling stations. 
• Non-retail petrol filling stations (including commercial sites and farms if they have storage tanks for petrol and tanks where the petrol is dispensed, either mechanically or electrically, into the fuel tank for an internal combustion engine. Please note that this is a much wider definition than just a motor vehicle). 

For non-workplace or domestic storage of petrol, a petroleum storage certificate is not required. However, you may still need a non-workplace petroleum licence. This will depend on the individual circumstances of:  

• How it is being stored. 
• In what quantity (more than 275 litres). 
• The type of container used. 

 

In any event, safety requirements must still be met. If you are unsure of whether or not you need a petroleum storage licence, or a petroleum storage certificate, please contact Northumberland Fire & Rescue Service by: 

• phone: 01670 621140 
• email: FireSafety1@northumberland.gov.uk 

You will need to complete an application form (either online or a hard copy) and provide: 

• The name and address of the applicant. 
• The address of the dispensing premises. 
• A drawing (1:100 scale) of the layout of the premises. 
• A drawing (1:100 scale) of the containment system for petrol at the dispensing premises, including storage tanks and pipework. 
• A drawing (1:100 scale) of the drainage system for petrol at the dispensing premises. 
• Payment of the relevant fee. 

You should have appropriate safety arrangements in place for the safe delivery, storage and dispensing of petrol. We may ask you to provide evidence of these safety arrangements. 
 
We cannot accept online applications to transfer a storage certificate. 
If you do not wish to apply online, you can download the relevant application form and return it to us with payment: 

 

• Initial application storage certificate 

• Application for renewal of storage certificate 

 

Please return completed application forms to: 
 
Petroleum Clerk 
Fire Safety Department 
Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service HQ 
West Hartford Business Park 
Cramlington 
Northumberland 
NE23 3JP 
 
Pay for your storage certificate 
If you are applying online, you will be able to pay using your credit/debit card. Alternatively, you can pay by: 

• post: include a cheque made payable to Northumberland County Council with your application form 
• phone: 0345 600 6400 or one of our local phone numbers and pay using a debit/credit card 
• in person: at one of our customer information centres using a debit/credit card, cash or cheque 

 

When we have received your application form, payment and supporting information, we will consider the application and let you know the outcome. 
 
Storage certificates may be granted on an annual basis, up to a maximum of 10 years. Applicants must complete a form to renew their storage certificate. 
 
What to do if your application is unsuccessful 
Please contact us on 01670 621140 to discuss your application in the first instance. If an application is refused, applicants do have the right to appeal to the secretary of state. 
 
Modifications to a storage certificate 
Once a storage certificate is granted, it may be that in the future changes need to be made. If this happens, then a separate application to modify your certificate will be required (there is no fee associated with this). 
 
If you have any queries about how to apply for a petroleum storage certificate, then please contact the petroleum clerk by: 

• phone: 01670 621140 
• email: FireSafety1@northumberland.gov.uk 

Petrol storage certificate costs
	Annual Cost
New certificate/renewal for up to 2,500 litres	£44
New certificate/renewal for up to 50,000 litres	£60
New certificate/renewal for more than 50,000 litres	£125

 
Storage certificates may be granted on an annual basis, up to a maximum of 10 years.  

 

Prescribed material changes 
A prescribed material change must be notified to the petroleum enforcement authority (Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service) at least 28 days before the commencement of any works to affect the change. Where a prescribed material change has been made to a dispensing premises, the petroleum enforcement authority must issue a new storage certificate. 
 
Prescribed material changes include: 

• The cessation of one or more petrol storage tanks. 
• The removal or permanent decommissioning of one or more petrol storage tanks. 
• The installation of any tank, pipework or vapour pipework associated with the storage and dispensing of petrol. 
• The installation of any petrol pump, any other automotive pump, or dispenser in a new location. 

 

Cessation of storage 
A person keeping petrol on dispensing premises where a storage certificate is in place must inform Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service before ceasing to occupy the dispensing premises. The notification must be made in writing and must state: 

• The person's name and address. 
• The address of the dispensing premises. 
• The date on which the person proposes to cease occupation of the dispensing premises. 

The notification must be given a maximum of six months and a minimum of 28 days before the day on which the person ceases to occupy the dispensing premises. 
 
Notice of leakages, accidents, fire or explosion 
The person named on the petroleum storage certificate, or an authorised representative, shall immediately inform Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service of any loss, actual or suspected leakage, accident, fire or explosion involving petroleum-spirit. 
 
Dispensing into containers 
Except when a petrol pump or dispenser is being tested for accuracy, or in repairing the installation of any part thereof, petroleum-spirit shall be dispensed only by means of approved equipment into the fuel tanks of internal combustion engines or into approved portable containers (see below). 
 
Unauthorised access to petroleum spirit 
The keeper of petrol, or his/her authorised representative, shall prevent unauthorised persons under the age of 16 years from having access to, or operating any equipment associated with petroleum-spirit. 
 
Transfer of a petroleum storage certificate 
The petroleum storage certificate now remains with the dispensing premises. A new person, proposing to keep petrol where the regulation applies, must notify Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service before keeping petrol on the premises. The notification must be made in writing and must include: 

• The person's name and address. 
• The address of the dispensing premises. 
• The date on which the person proposes to cease occupation of the dispensing premises. 

The notification must be given a maximum of six months and a minimum of 28 days before the day on which the person proposes to keep petrol on the dispensing premises. 
 
Approved portable containers 
The new regulations state that petrol can be dispensed into, and stored in, the following approved portable containers: 

• Plastic containers up to 10 litres (previous regulations restricted this to five litres). 
• Metal containers up to 20 litres (previous regulations restricted this to 10 litres). 

 

Petrol stations 

• Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002 
• Petrol Filling Stations Guidance on Managing the Risks of Fire and Explosion (The Red Guide) 
• Normal Operating Procedures for Self-Service Stations 
• Emergency Procedures for Station Controllers 
• Risk Assessment for the Storage of Petroleum Spirit 
• Suggested Register for Petroleum Installations 
• Petroleum (Consolidation) Regulations 2014 

 

Petrol storage 

• Decommissioning of Tanks 
• List of Petroleum Products 
• Health and Safety Executive (HSE) Introduction of New Petroleum Regulations (Petroleum (Consolidation) Regulations 2014) 

 

Trade associations and useful links 

• Federation of Petroleum Suppliers 
• FPS Forecourt Division 
• APEA The Association of Petroleum & Explosives Administration. 
• LPGA (UK LPG) Liquid Petroleum Gas Association. 
• Defra Information on Petrol Stage 1 and Stage 2 Vapour Recovery 
• The Environment Agency 
• Northumbrian Water 

An occupier of a premises (not being a workplace) may store up to 30 litres of petroleum spirit without the requirement to inform Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service. 
 
The petroleum can be stored in: 

• Suitable portable containers. 
• One demountable fuel tank. 
• A combination of the above, as long as no more than 30 litres are kept. 

 

When an occupier of a premises (not being a workplace) wishes to store more than 30 litres (and up to 275 litres) of petroleum spirit, they must notify the Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service in writing, providing the name and address of the occupier and the storage place. 
 
The petroleum can be stored in: 

• Suitable portable containers. 
• One demountable fuel tank. 
• A combination of the above, as long as no more than 275 litres are kept. 

 

Common storage requirements for these amounts: 

• Petrol is not stored in living accommodation. 
• Petrol is not dispensed (using a manual or electrical pump) at the storage place. 
• If the storage place is not in the open air, it has a direct exit to the open air and is ventilated to it. 
• All reasonable precautions are taken in the storage place to prevent any sources of ignition or heat that would be liable to ignite petrol or its vapour. 
• Petrol is not used in the storage place other than: a) in the storage tank of any internal combustion engine; or b) in quantities (not exceeding 150 millilitres at any one time), for cleaning or as a solvent for repair purposes. 

 

Storing more than 275 litres of petroleum spirit in non-workplace premises 
The licensing regime is being retained for storage of more than 275 litres of petroleum spirit at non-workplace premises. 
 
If you wish to store more than 275 litres of petroleum spirit at non-workplace premises, you must apply to Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service for a licence. 
 
The licence will specify your name and where the petrol is stored. It can be granted for up to three years and is not transferable. Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service may attach storage conditions to the certificate. 
 
The new regulations state that petrol can be dispensed into and stored in the following approved portable containers: 

• Plastic containers up to 10 litres (previous regulations restricted this to 5 litres). 
• Metal containers up to 20 litres (previous regulations restricted this to 10 litres). 

Please also follow our general safety guidance on how to store petroleum safely: 

• Apart from what's in the fuel tank, you can only transport petrol in securely closed containers specifically designed for transporting petrol, and that are marked petroleum and highly flammable. Make sure they are secured in the boot when being transported. 
• Filling your tank from a container should only be done in the open air. 
• Store any petrol storage containers in a garage or shed away from any other buildings. Don't keep petrol in the house. Make sure the place where you store petrol is well ventilated and away from any naked flame or live electrical equipment. 
• Check containers regularly for leaks. If you smell petrol fumes, ventilate the area and make sure nobody smokes or turns electrical switches on or off. The slightest spark could cause an explosion. 

 

If you need advice or have any questions about petroleum storage certificates or how to store petroleum safely, please contact Northumberland Fire & Rescue Service by: 

• phone: 01670 621140 
• email: FireSafety1@northumberland.gov.uk 

If you need advice or have any questions about petroleum storage certificates or how to store petroleum safely, please contact Northumberland Fire & Rescue Service by: 

• phone: 01670 621140 
• email: FireSafety1@northumberland.gov.uk 

If you want to hire out water-bound pleasure crafts for personal use, or to carry passengers, you will need to obtain a licence from the local authority. 
 
Examples of pleasure boats are:

• sailboards 
• rowing boats 
• canoes 
• motor boats 
• pedalos 
• larger boats 

 

Your licence will state how many passengers you are allowed to carry as well as possible other conditions. It may also be subject to a fee.  

• To view summary of the regulation relating to this licence, please click here.

No. It is in the public interest for the authority to process your application before it can be granted. 
 
If you haven’t heard anything within a reasonable period, please contact the local authority either online if you applied through the UK Welcomes service or by: 

• Email: licensing@northumberland.gov.uk 

• To apply to offer boats for hire, please click here for the application form.
• To tell us about a change to your boat hire business, please click here. 

If your application or licence holder is refused, please first contact your local authority. You can then appeal by giving 24 hours’ notice and contacting your local magistrates’ court two days after the decision.  

In the event of a complaint please first contact the trader, preferably in the form of a letter with proof of delivery. 
 
If this doesn’t work and you are located in the UK, please contact Citizens Advice. If you are outside of the UK, please contact the UK European Consumer Centre. 

• Association of Leading Visitor Attractions (ALVA)

• Hoardings are to be a minimum of 2.5m high and able to withstand high winds. 
• Illumination may be required if street lighting is not adequate. 
• Hoardings must have a smooth finish with no protruding parts. 
• Pedestrian walkways of satisfactory width must be maintained or provided (in line with the Highways Act, section 169), and regularly inspected by the contractor. 

• During the erection and dismantling period, a safe working area at ground level is to be provided to prevent pedestrians gaining access. 
• Illumination is required unless no part of the scaffolding is less than 0.45m (18 inches) from a carriageway in a horizontal direction, and no part of it over a footway is less than 2.4m (8 feet), above the footway. 
• A pedestrian walkway is to be maintained around the scaffold. If this cannot be arranged, it should be designed to allow access under and through the scaffold safely: with no trip hazards, no projecting tubes or fittings, and covered adequately to provide a working platform and prevent materials or debris falling through. 
• Scaffolding poles should be highlighted. A reasonable free walking width must be maintained to enable persons in wheelchairs/prams etc. to pass the scaffold safely. 

The cost for a licence to erect either scaffolding or hoarding is £88 for 28 days. The charge for any unlicenced scaffolding or hoarding is £155 for 28 days.   
 
The council has the necessary powers to issue licences for scaffolding; to require erection of hoardings to separate building works from the street; and to ensure hoardings are securely erected. Contravention of these conditions is an offence, under The Highways Act 1980, with maximum fines of: 

• £5,000 (non-compliance with scaffolding licence) 
• £1,000 plus £2 per day (contravention of section 172 of the act) 
• £200 plus £1 per day (contravention of section 173 of the act) 

Copies of the Highways Act 1980 can be purchased from Her Majesty's Stationery Office, and can also be read at County Hall. 

If you require any further information, please email us at streetworks@northumberland.gov.uk or call 0345 600 6400. 

• If you would like information about skip permits, click here. 

• If you would like information about traffic lights, click here. 

Click here for local telephone numbers. 

• Please download and complete the scrap metal licence application form. 

Tax Check Code 
From 4 April 2022, the rules are changing if you’re applying for a licence for a: 

• taxi driver 
• private hire driver 
• private hire vehicle operator 
• scrap metal site 
• scrap metal collector 

If you’re an individual, company or any type of partnership you must complete a tax check if you’re: 

• Renewing a licence. 
• Applying for the same type of licence you previously held, that ceased to be valid less than a year ago. 
• Applying for the same type of licence you already hold with another licensing authority. 

 

You will not need to complete a tax check and you should follow the if you have: 

• Never held a licence of the same type before. 
• Had a licence of the same type that ceased to be valid a year or more before making this application. 

 

Click here for more information on how to complete a tax check code. 
 
All applicants will need to provide a basic disclosure certificate alongside their application as well as the relevant fee. 

• You can apply for a Basic Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service here. 

We will consult on all applications with Northumbria Police, the Environment Agency, local authorities and relevant internal departments. Send all completed application forms to either: 
 
Licensing Department 
Northumberland County Council 
East View 
Stakeford 
NE62 5TR 
 
Email address:Licensing@northumberland.gov.uk 

If your application is refused, please first contact your local authority. You can then appeal the refusal to your local magistrates’ court.  

In the event of a complaint please first contact the trader, preferably in the form of a letter with proof of delivery. If this doesn’t work and you are located in the UK, please contact Citizens Advice. If you are outside of the UK, please contact the UK European Consumer Centre. 

When placing a builders’ skip or container on the highway, a permit is required. 
 
This permit is available from the County Council, at a charge of £25 per skip or container, and is valid for a period of 14 days. Skips placed on the highway, without obtaining a permit, will be charged at £115 per 14 days, then a new licence will need to be applied for at £25 per 14 days thereafter. Skips must be paid for at the point of application; any applications that are not paid for will not be processed.  
 
The public highway constitutes the carriageway, grass verge and footway. Please note, builders’ skips and containers can not usually be placed on the footway unless permission is sought from the County Council in advance of the skip being dropped. 
 
Please note that there is a five working day minimum notification period for all skip applications to allow adequate time for the required checks to take place. 

 

It is the responsibility of the skip or container owner to apply for the permit on behalf of the hirer. Licences will not be issued to members of the public. 

• During the 14 day period, the skip or container can be changed as many times as required. However, if the skip or container is required for longer, a secondary permit must be requested at the same charge of £25. 
• When a skip or container is placed on private land then a permit is not required. 
• Skip companies must have Public Liability Insurance to the sum of at least £5 million.
• Guidelines must be adhered to when placing a skip or container on the highway.
• If a breach of the regulations occurs, the council has the power, under the Highways Act 1980, to remove any skip or container from the highway. Charges incurred for doing so will be invoiced to the company concerned. 

Please contact the streetworks team at Northumberland County Council if you require any further information. 
Phone 0345 600 6400 or click here for local telephone numbers 
Or email streetworks@northumberland.gov.uk 

• If you would like information about scaffolding permits, click here. 
• If you would like information about traffic lights, click here. 

If you wish to collect money or sell articles for the benefit of a charity in England and Wales, you must obtain a street collection licence from your local council. 

• For a summary of the regulations relating to this licence, please click here.

No. It is in the public interest for the authority to process your application before it can be granted. 
 
If you haven’t heard anything within a reasonable period, please contact the local authority either online if you applied through the UK Welcomes service or by: 

• Email: licensing@northumberland.gov.uk 

• To apply to run a charitable collection, please click here. 
• To notify us of the result of a charitable collection, please click here.  

Please contact your local authority. 

• In the event of a complaint about a street collection, please contact us.