Which Glamping Structures Need Planning Permission?
If you’re thinking of starting a glamping business you might be wondering if it’s necessary to get planning permission for your glamping pods. The answer to this question is almost always yes, but there are some exceptions. The ‘56-day rule’ being a prime example of why you might not need planning permission for your glamping structures.
We might’ve confused you with the phrase ‘56-day rule’ so allow us to resolve your confusion.
The ‘56-Day Rule’ Explained
Put simply, the 56-day rule refers to campsites that can be open for 56 days (previously 28 days) out of the calendar year under permitted development rights. Whilst under these rights, planning permission isn’t needed for camping, or certain glamping, structures.
What Are Permitted Development Rights?
Whilst they are technically a form of planning permission, they’re actually a national grant of planning permission. This allows a certain selection of structures or structural changes to be made without having to make or submit a planning application.
Which Glamping Units Benefit?
Glamping units that can be classed as temporary structures will be the ones to benefit from the 56-day rule. This typically includes yurts and bell tents. These are glamping structures that can be easily moved and aren’t normally considered permanent structures.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that if any operational work such as electrical engineering, building, mining or the construction of a solid base is required, you may need planning permission.
The 56-day rule is perfect if you’re aiming for a ‘stripped-back’ glamping site. This would be a glamping site that’s far more glamorous than camping but doesn’t have all the bells and whistles of a high-end glamping site. It’s the perfect middle ground. To do this, you could have a site filled with stunning glamping tents and simply use amenities such as portable toilets to keep the whole site temporary and easy to pick up and move.
Permanent Glampsite Site Vs 56-Day Glamping Site
There are plenty of pros and cons to both a permanent glamping site and a temporary one that adheres to the 56-day rule regulations.
On one hand, a 56-day glamping site can be cheaper and the process can be much quicker. Along with this, you don’t have to worry about putting your site together in a way that would comply with planning permission regulations.
On the other hand, having a permanent glamping site means you can take bookings all year and you won’t have the hassle of building a temporary site only to move it again in the near future. However, you will have to go through the planning permission process which can take some time.
Which Glamping Structures Need Planning Permission?
With such a wide array of possible structures for your glamping retreat, it’s easy to get confused with what needs planning permission and what doesn’t. Whether or not you need planning permission is entirely dependent on whether the structure is temporary or not. Glamping structures that can’t be moved, such as classic glamping pods, Shepherd Huts, Geo-domes and Luxury Lodges will need planning permission.
If it’s likely that planning permission is going to be in the future of your glamping journey, we can help. Our process starts at the very beginning, following through right up until your grand opening. This includes the process of creating and submitting a planning permission application.
Why not get in touch and we can discuss your project
