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Turning your glamping dream into reality starts with the right location, but securing planning permission can be the biggest challenge. Councils assess environmental impact, infrastructure requirements, and alignment with local tourism growth, making site selection a crucial factor in gaining approval.
The good news? Some locations offer a more straightforward path to approval. Certain councils actively encourage rural tourism, while areas with fewer environmental restrictions face fewer planning hurdles. Selecting the right location can significantly improve your chances of securing permission, helping you launch or expand a successful glamping business with fewer obstacles.
This guide explores the easiest places in the UK to get a glamping site planning permission and how you can navigate the process successfully.
The "Grotto" Pod - Luxury 2 Person Glamping Pod
Factors That Make a Location Easier for Planning Permission
Several factors determine how likely a council is to approve a glamping site planning application. Choosing a location that aligns with these factors can significantly improve your chances of success:
• Fewer Environmental Restrictions: Areas outside National Parks, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs), and Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) typically have more relaxed planning policies, making approvals easier. (Canopy & Stars)
• Lower Population Density: Fewer neighbouring properties reduce the likelihood of objections from local residents, minimising delays and complications.
• Supportive Local Councils: Some councils actively promote rural tourism and economic development, making them more receptive to glamping projects that align with their strategic goals. (Canopy & Stars)
• Agricultural or Farm Diversification Potential: Councils are more likely to approve glamping sites that contribute to farm diversification or enhance existing rural businesses.
• Permitted Development Rights: In certain areas, temporary glamping sites can operate under permitted development rights for up to 60 days per year without full planning permission, offering a lower-risk way to test demand before committing to a permanent site. (Glamping Business)
Understanding these factors can help glamping site owners select locations where planning permission is more achievable, reducing obstacles and streamlining the approval process.
Best Locations in the UK for Easier Glamping Site Planning Permission
Some counties in the UK offer more favourable conditions due to their rural landscapes, supportive councils, and tourism incentives. Here are the best locations to increase your chances of getting your planning permission approved:
Rural Areas Outside Protected Zones
Lincolnshire, Cambridgeshire, and Norfolk: These counties provide vast rural landscapes with fewer environmental restrictions, making them ideal for glamping developments. Local councils actively support tourism projects that contribute to the rural economy, and land availability is generally more accessible than in highly sought-after glamping destinations.
Shropshire and Herefordshire: Known for their rolling countryside and open spaces, these counties offer excellent opportunities for glamping developments. Councils here tend to be more receptive to sustainable tourism projects, making planning applications more straightforward compared to protected regions.
Areas with Tourism Growth Incentives
East Riding of Yorkshire and Northumberland (Outside National Parks): These regions are experiencing steady growth in tourism, making them attractive locations for new glamping sites. Councils are often keen to approve developments that help boost visitor numbers. Unlike sites within National Parks, these areas have fewer planning restrictions while still benefiting from strong tourist interest.
Mid-Wales and Borders (Outside Snowdonia & Brecon Beacons): Although Wales has strict planning regulations, areas outside major protected landscapes offer greater flexibility. Local councils tend to support projects that contribute to rural tourism and benefit the local economy, making this an attractive option for glamping developments.
Private Farmland & Agricultural Areas
Cheshire, Staffordshire, and Warwickshire: Farm diversification is a priority in these counties, and councils actively encourage tourism projects that help landowners generate additional income. Government-backed incentives for sustainable rural tourism make these areas particularly appealing for glamping site investments.
Somerset and Devon (Outside AONBs): While certain areas within these counties are heavily protected, there are still locations where planning permission is more accessible. If your project aligns with local economic development goals, councils are more likely to approve applications, particularly if they support rural tourism.
Locations with Permitted Development Advantages
England’s 60-Day Permitted Development Rights: As of July 2023, England has extended permitted development rights (PDR), allowing landowners to operate temporary camping or glamping sites for up to 60 days per year without requiring full planning permission. This extension, up from the previous 28-day allowance, enables landowners to test the viability of glamping ventures before committing to permanent developments. It's important to note that these temporary sites are limited to a maximum of 50 pitches and must provide necessary facilities, such as toilets and waste disposal. (Glampsan)
Home Living Luxury’s modular glamping pods are classified as temporary structures, making them an ideal choice for phased developments. Our flexible, low-impact design allows landowners to meet planning conditions, test demand, and scale up sustainably without the upfront commitment of permanent builds. See our pod collection here.
Key Planning Considerations to Improve Approval Chances
Even in the most favourable locations, securing planning permission requires careful planning and adherence to council requirements. Here are the key factors that influence approval:
• Drainage & Waste Management: Councils require proper waste disposal solutions such as septic tanks or soakaways to prevent environmental damage. A well-planned drainage system is essential for meeting sustainability criteria.
• Road Access & Parking: Safe and efficient site access is crucial. Most councils mandate at least one parking space per unit and a clear road entry point with at least 90 metres of visibility in both directions. Poor access is a common reason for planning rejections.
• Flood Risk & Environmental Assessments: Sites located in flood-prone areas may face additional challenges. Low-risk locations have a higher chance of approval, while councils may request flood mitigation plans for sites near water sources.
• Noise & Ecological Impact Surveys: Certain councils require assessments to ensure that glamping developments do not negatively impact wildlife, habitats, or local communities. These reports can be crucial for gaining support from planning officers.
• Alignment with Local Tourism & Economic Growth Plans: Councils are more likely to approve applications that boost tourism and create local employment opportunities. Demonstrating how your site will contribute to the regional economy strengthens your proposal.
Additionally, conducting key surveys such as ecological impact assessments and flood risk reports early in the process can help preempt objections and streamline approvals.
For a more detailed guide on navigating planning permission, read our blog: “Mastering Planning Permission: How to Get Approval for Your UK Glamping Site”
Why Pre-Planning Applications Are Important
A pre-planning consultation with the local council is one of the most effective ways to improve your chances of securing planning permission. This early-stage process allows you to engage with planning officers before submitting a full application, helping to refine your proposal and avoid costly mistakes.
Key Benefits of a Pre-Planning Application:
• Identify Potential Obstacles Early: Councils may flag potential issues such as road safety, environmental concerns, or local objections before you invest time and money into a full application.
• Receive Guidance on Required Surveys: Planning officers can inform you about necessary assessments, such as ecological impact studies, flood risk reports, or noise surveys, ensuring your submission meets regulatory requirements.
• Improve Your Application Based on Council Feedback: Engaging with the council early allows you to tailor your proposal to align with local development policies, increasing the likelihood of approval. (Financial Times)
By addressing concerns upfront, applicants can save time, minimise delays, and reduce the risk of rejection. A well-prepared pre-planning application demonstrates a proactive approach, making it easier to gain council support for your glamping site.
Successful Case Studies:
Securing planning permission for glamping sites in certain UK regions can be more straightforward due to supportive local councils, rural landscapes, and tourism incentives. Here are some case studies highlighting successful approvals in such areas:
1. Swinney Wood Log Cabins – Derbyshire
Situated near the village of Swinscoe in Derbyshire, Swinney Wood Log Cabins received planning approval for the construction of log cabins intended for holiday accommodation. The project benefited from the area's supportive local council, which encourages sustainable tourism initiatives that contribute to the rural economy. (Swinney Wood Log Cabins)
2. Malvern Hills Glamping Lodges – Worcestershire
In Worcestershire, a farm near the Malvern Hills secured planning permission for luxury glamping lodges. The development aimed to diversify farm income and capitalise on the scenic location to attract tourists. The local council's favourable view towards rural tourism and farm diversification contributed to the successful approval. (Malvern Hills Glamping Lodges)
3. West Stow Pods – Suffolk
West Stow Pods near Bury St Edmunds secured planning approval by highlighting their eco-friendly design, low environmental impact, and boost to the local rural economy. Now, it’s a popular glamping spot with woodland lodges, Megapods, and the unique Hobbit-style Pod Hollow. (West Stow Pods)
These case studies highlight how securing planning permission becomes more achievable in regions where local councils actively support rural tourism and farm diversification. Early engagement with planning authorities and aligning proposals with regional development priorities can significantly improve approval chances.
At Home Living Luxury, we offer expert guidance to help streamline your planning application, ensuring it meets council expectations while maximising your site’s potential. Schedule a free consultation with us today to discover how we can support you in getting your glamping resort approved with ease. Link below the FAQs.
Do Home Living Luxury Pods Qualify Under the Greener Camping Club’s Exemption Rules?
One of the standout advantages of Home Living Luxury’s glamping pods is how well they align with key planning and sustainability standards, a real win for landowners looking to break into glamping without getting bogged down in red tape.
Our pods are thoughtfully designed to meet important planning requirements, including height limits, structural guidelines, and the use of eco-friendly materials. This not only simplifies the planning process but also helps reduce potential delays or challenges when setting up a site.
Because they’re classed as temporary structures, our pods offer incredible flexibility. You can start small, test the demand on your land, and scale up your glamping business over time, all without committing to major permanent infrastructure from day one.
Most importantly, Home Living Luxury pods qualify under the Greener Camping Club’s exemption rules. This means landowners can operate a sustainable glamping business without needing full planning permission, significantly lowering both risk and upfront hassle. It’s an ideal route for anyone wanting to create a nature-friendly escape while keeping their development process smooth and stress-free.
Conclusion
Choosing the right location is key to securing glamping site planning permission. The easiest areas include rural counties outside National Parks and AONBs, such as Lincolnshire, Cambridgeshire, and Shropshire. Regions with tourism incentives, like East Riding of Yorkshire and parts of Northumberland, also offer good opportunities.
Farm diversification-friendly areas, including Cheshire, Staffordshire, and Warwickshire, support planning approval, while sites with permitted development rights allow seasonal operations with fewer restrictions. Planning permission is a complex process, but choosing a location wisely and preparing a strong application can make all the difference.
While planning permission can be complex, a well-prepared application and the right approach can significantly improve approval chances. Home Living Luxury’s bespoke glamping pods are specifically designed to simplify the process. Built with eco-conscious materials and modular designs, our pods meet key planning requirements and offer flexibility for phased developments. If you’re looking to test demand with temporary structures or establish a long-term site, our expert team is here to guide you through the process.
Get in touch with Home Living Luxury today for expert advice on planning applications and to explore our range of high-quality, modular glamping pods here. Link below the FAQs!
The "Dual Halfmoon" Pod - Luxury 2 Person Glamping Pod
Summary
• Securing planning permission is a key challenge for glamping sites, with some UK locations offering a more straightforward process.
• Sites outside National Parks, AONBs, and SSSIs face fewer environmental restrictions, making approval easier.
• Rural counties like Lincolnshire, Cambridgeshire, and Shropshire offer vast land with fewer planning hurdles.
• Areas with tourism growth incentives, such as East Riding of Yorkshire and parts of Northumberland, support glamping developments.
• Farm diversification-friendly regions like Cheshire, Staffordshire, and Warwickshire encourage tourism projects on agricultural land.
• England’s 60-day permitted development rights allow temporary glamping sites without full planning permission.
• Key planning considerations include waste management, road access, flood risk assessments, and ecological impact reports.
• Pre-planning consultations help refine applications, address potential objections, and improve approval chances.
• Successful case studies in Derbyshire and Worcestershire highlight councils that support rural tourism projects.
• Home Living Luxury provides expert guidance and modular glamping pod solutions to simplify planning applications and site development.
FAQs
1. What factors influence planning permission for a glamping site to be approved?
Planning permission depends on several factors, including location, environmental impact, road access, and local council policies. Sites outside National Parks, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs), and flood zones typically have a better chance of approval.
Councils also assess waste management, noise impact, and alignment with local tourism strategies. Engaging in pre-planning consultations and conducting required surveys can significantly improve the chances of approval. (Canopy & Stars)
2. Which areas in the UK are the easiest for securing glamping site planning permission?
The easiest locations are typically in rural counties with fewer environmental restrictions and supportive councils.
• Lincolnshire, Cambridgeshire, and Norfolk: Open landscapes with minimal planning barriers, making them ideal for new glamping developments.
• Cheshire, Staffordshire, and Warwickshire: Farm diversification-friendly areas where councils support tourism projects that enhance rural economies.
• East Riding of Yorkshire and Northumberland (outside National Parks): Regions with tourism incentives, where councils are more likely to approve applications that attract visitors and boost the local economy.
3. Can I start a glamping site without full planning permission?
Yes, in England, temporary glamping sites can operate for up to 60 days per year under permitted development rights without requiring full planning permission. This allows landowners to test the market before committing to a permanent site.
Using temporary or modular structures, like Home Living Luxury’s glamping pods, can also make planning applications easier, as they are classified as low-impact and adaptable to different planning conditions. See our glamping pod collection here.
4. How can I improve my chances of getting glamping site planning permission?
To increase approval chances, choose a location with fewer planning restrictions and ensure the site meets essential requirements like proper waste disposal, road access, and ecological impact assessments.
Submitting a pre-planning application allows councils to provide early feedback, helping you address any potential objections before submitting a full application. Additionally, starting with temporary structures or phased developments, such as Home Living Luxury’s modular pods, can demonstrate sustainability and business viability.
See our blog on “Mastering Planning Permission: How to Get Approval for Your UK Glamping Site” to learn more about improving your chances of approval for your planning permission.
5. What are the common reasons planning permission for glamping sites gets rejected?
Applications are often rejected due to poor access roads, inadequate waste management plans, high environmental impact, or objections from local residents. Sites in protected areas like National Parks or AONBs face stricter regulations.
Noise concerns and a lack of alignment with local tourism strategies can also lead to refusals. Conducting the necessary surveys and consulting with local authorities in advance can help address these concerns before submitting an application.
