Planning for Glamping
In the South West of England, setting up a permanent glamping site requires a formal change of land use and planning consent from the local council. Budget 6 to 18 months for the entire process, which includes pre-application advice, ecological surveys, and a standard 8-to-13-week council determination period.
Do I always need planning permission?
Full-time sites: Yes. Any site operating for more than temporary seasonal limits or using permanent structures (like timber cabins, pods, or raised decking) needs full planning consent and a change of land use.
Short-term tests: Temporary recreational campsites can operate under permitted development rights for limited seasonal windows (up to 60 days a year), but this excludes permanent utility installations or non-canvas structures.
Exemption certificates: Small low-impact sites of up to 5 caravans/pods and 10 tents can sometimes utilise club exemption certificates (paragraph 5 exemptions) via accredited organisations, though local authorities still review notifications.
What are the main reasons applications get refused in the South West?
Access issues: Narrow rural lanes, poor visibility at road junctions, or inadequate emergency vehicle access.
Environmental designations: Proximity to National Parks (like Dartmoor or Exmoor) or Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) trigger strict landscape and light pollution controls.
Ecology: Unfavourable impact on protected habitats, ancient woodlands, bats, or badgers.
Drainage/Flooding: Inadequate foul-water drainage, septic suitability, or placement within high-risk flood zones.
What must a planning application include?
Site plans: Detailed layout, boundary lines, and precise positioning of units.
Operational statements: Parking allocation, waste management, and noise mitigation.
Technical assessments: Flood risk reports, ecological surveys, and drainage plans.
If you would like to get some initial planning advice in relation to your glamping proposal, get in touch to book an initial consultation.