Tel: 0845 163 1754
_

Camping Cabins

Do You Need Planning Permission To Set Up A Glamping Site?

The number of units and their position will determine whether or not planning permission is required to set up a glamping site and how easy it will be to achieve.

 

Nationally planning permission for tourist ventures such as Glamping sites is becoming easier. Tourism is recognised as a well-established route to economic growth, especially in rural areas.

 

If you have a good relationship with your local Planning Office, start by talking to them or appoint a planning consultant to do this on your behalf. Each area differs and we are unable to give definitive advice.

 

A few things useful terms to bear in mind when speaking to the experts about setting up a glamping site are:

 

Permitted Development

A number of developments can now be carried out without planning permission, including the erection of outbuildings as large as a Country Cabin, so long as the criteria is met, for farms over 5 hectares also read this.

 

Change of Use

The need for planning permission doesn't just apply to the erection of a structure. The way in which a building is used is also subject to planning permission, for example a shop with with A3 consent can be a cafe, the same site with A1 consent can't serve food.

Try before you buy camping cabins

 

For your home the key test is: is the property still mainly a dwelling or has it become a business premises? So long as you can answer 'no' to the following you shouldn't need to apply for change of use:

 

- Will your home no longer be used mainly as a private residence?

- Will your business result in a marked rise in traffic or people calling?

- Will your business involve any activities unusual in a residential area?

- Will your business disturb your neighbours at unreasonable hours?

 

Retrospective Consent

Planning permission can be granted (or refused) after a development or change of use has taken place. The risk being that if refused the site will have to be returned to its former state. Making a planning application has become increasingly expensive in recent years, requiring specialist surveys, professional drawings pre-application and application fees. Even a moderate planning application is likely to cost upwards of £5000 to reach the submission stage. It could therefore be argued that the fastest and most cost effective route is to make an application once the development has occurred.

 

The 28 Day Rule

Schedule 2, Part 4, Class A of the General Permitted Development Order allows the use of land for various purposes for up to 28 days in any calendar year without formal planning permission.

 

Certified Sites

Certified Sites can accommodate up to five caravans and up to 10 tents exclusively to members of the Camping and Caravaning Club. Landowners can install power and water for visitors. A Certified Site is a great first step into providing tourist accommodation and allows the local community to understand and support your venture.