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Starting a glamping business in the UK is an exciting step, but it also comes with important legal hurdles that can’t be overlooked. The biggest of these is making sure your site has the right permissions in place before you start welcoming guests. It’s easy to get caught up in the creative side of things, choosing pods, planning layouts, imagining the guest experience, only to realise that planning consent, or an approved alternative, is what determines whether your vision can actually become a reality.

In most cases, turning land into a glamping or camping site is treated as a change of use, which brings you into the planning system. There are several routes available, each with its own rules, timelines, and costs.

Full planning permission is the most common path for permanent or larger-scale sites, outline planning permission offers a way to gain approval in principle before finalising details, and exemption certificates provide a quicker and more flexible option for small, low-impact sites. Alongside these, the 60-day permitted development rule gives landowners the chance to trial pop-up sites without going through the full planning process.

This guide breaks down each option, helping you understand the pros and cons so you can choose the approach that fits your land, your budget, and your business ambitions.

 

Full Planning Permission for a Glamping Site

When it applies: Most permanent or long-term glamping sites will need full planning permission from the local authority. If you plan to install fixed or serviced units such as pods or cabins on solid bases with plumbing or electrics, or if you want to operate all year round, this is the route you’ll need to take. It also applies to larger or luxury sites where you’ll be adding access roads, car parking, drainage, or landscaping, all of which count as operational development. (Glamping Stays)

Why: Permanent structures and continuous commercial use fall outside the limits of temporary allowances. Councils also have to consider impacts on the landscape, local ecology, highways, drainage, and the amenity of neighbours. That’s why they require detailed plans and technical reports before granting consent.

 

What the process looks like:

• Pre-application advice: An informal step that highlights potential red flags before you spend heavily on designs. This can save both time and money. (Glamping Stays)

• Submit a full application: You’ll need a red-line plan, site layout, elevations and specifications, plus any required surveys such as ecology, landscape, transport, or drainage. (Glamping Stays)

• Determination and consultation: Councils aim to decide within eight to thirteen weeks, but glamping projects often take six to twelve months or longer, especially if consultees request changes or objections are raised. (Glamping Stays)

• Decision with conditions: Approval usually comes with conditions: such as limits on unit numbers, landscaping requirements, lighting restrictions, or ecological mitigation. These conditions must be discharged before development can start.(Glamping Stays)

 

Timelines & costs:

• Time: Allow at least six to twelve months from start to finish, particularly if surveys or revisions are needed. (Inspired Camping)

• Costs: Application fees are modest, but the real expense comes from surveys and professional reports, which can run into five figures depending on the site and its constraints.

 

Don’t forget the site licence: If your land is used for camping for more than 42 consecutive days or more than 60 days in a 12-month period, you’ll also need a caravan/campsite licence from the council. This is separate from planning and covers issues like spacing, sanitation, and fire safety.

 

Best for: Permanent, scalable, or luxury glamping developments with robust facilities and year-round operation.

 

Looking for inspiration? The Large "GlampTainer"  is a popular choice for full-planning projects that need more space, ensuite comfort, and strong rental appeal.

 

Outline Planning Permission (the two-step route)

What it is: Outline planning permission allows you to ask the council to approve your glamping project in principle without submitting every detail at the start. If granted, you’ll then need to follow up with a Reserved Matters application, which covers the finer points such as appearance, layout, access, landscaping, and scale before you have full, buildable consent (Wigwam Cabins).

 

Key rules to know:

• Reserved Matters deadline: You must normally submit Reserved Matters within three years of outline approval, and development must begin within two years of the final Reserved Matters consent. Councils can sometimes vary these timeframes through conditions (Wigwam Cabins).

• No building on outline alone: You cannot begin construction until the Reserved Matters have been approved. Outline consent on its own does not give permission to build (Urbanist Architecture).

• When it helps: Outline permission is particularly useful for larger or phased glamping projects, where you want reassurance that the council supports your idea before committing to the full design and survey costs. It can also help increase land value, as having outline consent demonstrates development potential, a strong selling point if you’re seeking investors or considering a sale.

• Trade-offs: For smaller glamping sites, outline permission is rarely faster or cheaper. Councils often still require surveys on ecology, drainage, and highways at the outline stage, and you’ll face a second determination process when submitting Reserved Matters. In many cases, this makes the overall timeline longer than applying for full planning permission from the outset.

 

Best for: Large, phased, or speculative projects where gaining approval in principle helps reduce financial risk or strengthens the value of the land.

 

 

The "Dual Halfmoon" Pod - Luxury 2 Person Glamping Pod is a luxury two-person unit that works perfectly for phased developments. Start with a few in Phase 1, then scale up as your Reserved Matters are approved.

 

Exemption Certificates (Certified Sites)

What they are: Under the Caravan Sites and Control of Development Act 1960, certain recognised organisations, known as exempted organisations, can certify small camping or caravanning sites that don’t require formal planning permission or a standard site licence, as long as you operate within their rules (Glamping Business)

 

Typical conditions (vary by club, but usually include):

• Small numbers: Most exemptions allow up to five caravans or glamping units. Some clubs also permit tents in addition, or set a total pitch cap. The small scale is intentional and is central to how the exemption works (Glamping Business).

• Movable only: Pods should sit on skids, wheels, or blocks, with facilities kept portable. GlampLaunch pods are engineered for this type of setup. They are fully movable, eco-ready, and compatible with compost-loo or trailer-mounted washroom solutions.

• Light-touch land: Sites must avoid heavy engineering. The land should remain reversible to its original use.

• Membership & rules: Guests and/or operators must be covered by the certifying club’s membership, and you’ll need to follow their safety and amenity standards.

 

Process (typical):

• Apply to an exempted organisation: They’ll assess your land for suitability, looking at factors like access, spacing, and safety (Pinfold Shepherdhuts).

• Site visit and notification: The organisation may notify the local planning authority (LPA) and carry out a site inspection before issuing a certificate (Glamping Business).

• Operate under a certificate: Once approved, you can run your site under the exemption rules, renewing your certification as required by the club.

 

Why people choose it:

• Speed and simplicity: Much faster and less bureaucratic than a full planning application.

• Low cost: Certification fees and inspections are a fraction of what you’d spend on surveys for planning permission.

• Pilot first: Many operators use an exemption to start small, test demand with 3–5 units, and then decide later whether to scale up through full planning.

 

Constraints:

• Scale ceiling: You’re capped at a handful of units, so this works best for micro-sites.

• No permanent buildings or services: Everything must remain movable and temporary.

• Club oversight: You operate under the rules of the exempt organisation rather than having full autonomy.

 

Best for: Quick start-ups, farm diversification projects, eco/off-grid micro-sites, or anyone wanting to test the market before committing to full planning.

 

 

Running a small, low-impact site? Luxury 2 Person Modular Off-Grid Home is built for exemption projects that are fully movable, eco-ready, and perfect for 3–5 unit pilot sites.

 

Permitted Development (Pop-Up) – the 60-Day Option

Since July 2023, England has introduced a new permitted development right for temporary recreational campsites. This allows land to be used for up to 60 days per calendar year, with a maximum of 50 pitches, as long as certain conditions are met. For example, notifying the local planning authority (LPA) in advance and avoiding any permanent works. This right is set out in Schedule 2, Part 4, Class BC of the GPDO (Legislation)

 

What this means for you: If you meet the conditions, you can run a seasonal pop-up glamping or camping site without going through a planning application. All structures and facilities must be temporary. GlampLaunch pods are designed for exactly this purpose. Each unit comes pre-assembled, can be deployed quickly on skids or blocks, and connects easily to portable utilities, so you can start welcoming guests almost immediately.

This makes the 60-day rule a great option for trial events, pilot seasons, or testing demand in your area. However, it’s not designed for full-time or permanent businesses.

 

Important nuance: Even if you qualify for permitted development, site licensing law still applies. If your site operates for more than 42 consecutive days or 60 days in any 12 months, you’ll need a caravan/campsite licence from your local council, unless you’re operating under an exemption certificate. Planning and licensing are separate legal systems, so you’ll need to comply with both (Ashford).

 

Devolved nations: These rules apply in England. Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland have their own planning frameworks. For example, the Scottish Government makes clear that exemptions are granted to organisations, and these do not replace planning where required. Always check the rules in your nation before starting (Scottish Government).

 

Best for: Short-term, seasonal pop-ups; landowners who want to trial a glamping business before investing; or operators who run one-off events and don’t need a permanent setup.

 

Testing the market with a seasonal pop-up?  The "Hobbit" Pod - Luxury 2 Person Glamping Pod offers portability and charm, ideal for temporary setups that need to be assembled and removed with ease.

 

The Quick-Scan Comparison

Route	Best For	Timeline & Scale	Key Notes
Full Planning	Permanent or luxury sites; utilities; year-round	6–12+ months; unlimited scale	Permanent works allowed; requires full application + surveys; site licence if >42/60 days (Legislation & Planning Geek)
Outline → Reserved Matters	Larger, phased, or speculative projects	Two steps; same scale as full	Approval in principle first; Reserved Matters must follow within 3 yrs (Planning Portal)
Exemption Certificate	Micro-sites; quick start; eco/off-grid feel	Weeks → few months; up to 5 pods	Movable only; operate under club certificate; no standard planning/licence
PD: 60-Day Pop-Up (England)	Seasonal trials or events	Immediate; up to 50 deployable pods	Temporary only; notify LPA each year; site licensing still applies (Legislation & Planning Geek)

 

Choosing the Right Path (and sequencing smartly)

Here’s how each route lines up with different glamping ambitions:

Your Goal	Best Route
Build a destination site with hot tubs, ensuites, and landscaped grounds	Full Planning
Develop in stages or prove value before a sale/investment	Outline → Reserved Matters
Launch lean and fast with 3–5 units	Exemption Certificate
Test demand for one summer with minimal commitment	60-Day Permitted Development (England)

 

Smart sequencing tip: Many operators begin under Exemption or Permitted Development. This allows them to validate demand, build positive neighbour relations, and generate early revenue. Once the site has proven itself, they then apply for Full Planning Permission to expand into a larger, higher-spec glamping business with stronger long-term potential.

 

Practical Tips That Save Time (and headaches)

• Book ecology surveys early. Many ecological checks can only be carried out at certain times of the year. Miss the window, and you could face months of delay.

• Get drainage right. A solid foul and surface water strategy is essential, whether that’s mains connection, a treatment plant, or another certified solution.

• Sort highways and access. Councils often focus heavily on visibility splays, safe access points, and parking layout.

• Talk to your neighbours. A simple information letter before you apply can reduce objections and build goodwill.

• Prove “movability.” If you’re using the Exemption or Permitted Development routes, document that your pods and facilities are temporary: photos of skids, wheels, or portable systems can help.

 

 

Conclusion

Choosing the right planning route is one of the most important steps in launching a glamping business. Whether you go for Full Planning Permission to build a permanent destination site, use Outline Planning to stage a larger project, start lean with an Exemption Certificate, or test the waters under the 60-Day Permitted Development rule, the decision should match your goals, budget, and long-term vision.

No matter which route you choose, having the right support can save you time, stress, and money. That’s where GlampLaunch comes in.

• Planning-savvy pod design: We guide you towards pod specifications that align with your planning route. For example, movable foundations for Exemption/PD sites or Part L-compliant designs for full planning.

• Evidence packs that persuade: From drainage and access to lighting and ecology, we prepare supporting documents with approval in mind, helping your application move more smoothly.

• Lifetime partner: Once you’re approved, we don’t stop there. We handle pod procurement, delivery, commissioning, and finishing touches, so you can welcome guests and start collecting 5-star reviews faster.

Because at the end of the day, you don’t just want to build pods, you want to build a business that opens sooner, earns more, and runs with confidence.

Ready to map your route? Book a quick scoping call with GlampLaunch, and we’ll outline the fastest, most compliant path from bare land to a live, guest-ready glamping site.

 

Summary

• Turning land into a glamping site almost always counts as a change of use, meaning you need the right permissions in place.

• Full Planning Permission is best for permanent, high-spec or luxury sites, but requires surveys, detailed plans, and 6–12+ months to process.

• Outline Permission gives approval in principle and is suited to phased or larger projects, but you still need Reserved Matters approval before building.

• Exemption Certificates allow small, movable sites (typically up to 5 units) to operate quickly under club rules without a full application.

• Permitted Development (60-day rule, England only) enables seasonal pop-ups of up to 50 deployable pods or other temporary units, but facilities must remain portable, and site licensing still applies.

• Smart operators often sequence routes, starting lean with Exemption or PD, then scaling into Full Planning once demand is proven.

• Success depends on preparing early: book ecology surveys in season, plan drainage and access, and engage neighbours and councils to reduce objections.

• GlampLaunch helps you choose the right path, design pods that align with planning routes, and provide evidence packs that speed up approvals.

 

FAQs

1. Do I always need full planning permission to start a glamping site in the UK?

Not always. Full planning permission is required for permanent or luxury sites with fixed pods, cabins, or landscaped grounds. However, some operators can launch with exemption certificates or the 60-day permitted development rule, provided their pods are movable and deployed without permanent foundations.

This flexibility makes pods a stronger option than traditional tent-based setups.

 

2. What’s the difference between outline planning permission and full planning permission?

Outline permission gives approval in principle for your glamping project but still requires a Reserved Matters application to finalise details like layout, scale, and access before you can build.

Full planning permission, on the other hand, covers everything upfront and lets you start construction once approved. Outline is most useful for phased pod developments, while smaller sites often go straight for full permission.

 

3. How do exemption certificates work for pod-based glamping sites?

Exemption certificates allow operators to bypass standard planning permission if their site is certified by an approved organisation. Typically, you can host up to five movable pods as long as they are on skids, wheels, or blocks rather than fixed foundations.

Pods designed for deployability, like those from GlampLaunch, meet these requirements while offering comfort and durability.

 

4. What is the 60-day permitted development rule, and how do pods fit in?

Since July 2023, landowners in England can operate temporary recreational sites for up to 60 days per year, with conditions such as advance notification to the local authority and no permanent works.

Pods placed on skids or blocks qualify as temporary deployable units, making them ideal for testing demand under permitted development, while still offering a premium guest experience.