In England, landowners can operate a temporary pop-up campsite for up to 60 days per calendar year (under Class BC permitted development rights) for a maximum of 50 pitches—for tents, motorhomes, and campervans only—without full planning permission, provided they notify the local council in writing beforehand and supply adequate waste and toilet facilities.

Do I always need full planning permission?

Temporary Campsites (60-Day Rule): Permitted development allows pop-up sites for up to 60 days a year without a full application. You must not exceed 50 pitches, and you must notify your Local Planning Authority (LPA) in writing before operations begin each year.

Permanent Campsites: If you intend to operate past 60 days, build permanent washblocks, lay hardstanding tracks, or install fixed infrastructure like septic tanks, you must submit a full change-of-use planning application. Exempted Organisations: Sites certified by organisations with camping exemption certificates (like The Camping and Caravanning Club) can bypass standard licensing, though major engineering works still require local council consultation.

What restrictions apply in the South West of England?

Protected Landscapes: Permitted development rights do not apply if your land sits within a National Park (e.g., Dartmoor or Exmoor), a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), the curtilage of a listed building, or a scheduled monument.

Flood Zones: If your site falls within Flood Zone 2 or 3, you must secure annual prior approval from the local authority and coordinate evacuation plans with the Environment Agency.

Caravans vs. Campervans: The 60-day temporary rules cover tents, motorhomes, and campervans, but exclude static or touring caravans, which are governed by separate, stricter regulations.

Do I need a site licence?

Yes. Separate from planning control, operating a campsite that functions for more than 42 consecutive days or over 60 days in a rolling 12-month period generally requires a site licence from your local district, borough, or unitary council (such as Cornwall Council or Somerset Council).

You must obtain planning consent (or verify your permitted development compliance) before applying for a site licence.

If you would like to get some initial planning advice in relation to your campsite planning, get in touch to book an initial consultation.