Van permits

Why do we have a van permit system?

Our civic amenity sites are provided for Plymouth residents to dispose of their household waste. Unfortunately, we know that people from outside our area are using our sites. Traders wishing to avoid paying for the disposal of their wastes are also abusing the site. This is illegal and unfair to other businesses.

A van permit system was introduced to reduce that amount of trade and commercial waste being disposed of illegally at Chelson Meadow and West Mill civic amenity sites.

Who can apply for a van permit?

Private individuals who own private vans with no commercial signage, weighing under 2.5 tonnes may apply for a permit to dispose of their own personal household waste. We will not issue permits for hire vehicles.

We are unable to issue permits to anyone who lives outside the Plymouth city boundary.

Where can I use a van permit?

Van permits are issued and accepted only at the Chelson Meadow civic amenity site. They are not permitted at Weston Mill.

Application process

You can either obtain an application form in person from the Greenhouse at Chelson Meadow during office opening hours or download an application form from the link below.

Van permit application form [154KB]

Van permit application form [65KB]

The following information will be required to complete your application:

• Proof of vehicle ownership - for example V5 Vehicle registration document, in instances where the vehicle is registered to a company please provide a letter on official headed paper giving permission for the vehicle to visit Chelson Meadow, also stating that the permit will be used for the disposal of your own personal household waste and acknowledge that under no circumstance should business/trade waste be disposed of on the permit.
• Proof of address - for example driving licence, recent utility bill, or council tax statement.

Useful information

• We will not issue permits to hire vans
• No permits will be issued to vehicles greater than 3.5 tonnes
• Permits will be issued once the applicant has provided proof of address (recent utility bill) and proof of vehicle ownership (registration document)
• Your permit will last for 12 month and allow you to use the site up to 12 times during that period. If you use the site more frequently, we reserve the right to investigate and if necessary withdraw your permit
• The permit will be issued free of charge, but if you lose it, we will charge £10 for a replacement
• Permits are not transferable - please let us know if you change your vehicle or your address, there is no charge for updating your permit in this way
• We reserve the right to withdraw permits at any time
• We will only issue one permit per household, only one permit will be issued per vehicle

Should you require any further information please do not hesitate to contact us on 01752 304080 or email vanpermits@plymouth.gov.uk.

[Back to top]