In an era when regulations, policy directives and landscape designations restrict so many commercial proposals, it makes a refreshing change to find an opportunity that goes with the government flow.
Glamping is estimated to be worth more than £3.5 billion annually in the UK and as a leisure use within the countryside that supports the rural economy it has the distinct advantage of being backed by government policy. With local authorities generally following suit, applications for these upmarket, lucrative projects tend to find favour, as long as they are sensitively designed, sensibly sited and abide by the rules.
It’s an area where Batcheller Monkhouse’s highly qualified planning consultants have an impressive track record, having won approval for schemes including the conversion of an asparagus shed to a holiday let in a National Park, luxury glamping pods adjoining listed manor house, safari tents and ‘digital detox’ cabins to name a few.
Glamping applications are well suited to areas of the country where other development would simply not be allowed. The more intensive the use of the site, the more complex the planning implications. While the new permitted development rights (PDR) now allows temporary use for 60 days, the regulations are better suited to testing local demand and are fairly restrictive. The landowner also needs to notify the council and set out plans for dealing with waste and toilet requirements and so the PDR route is not necessarily the most appropriate option. Others choose to avoid planning and site licencing by joining an ‘exempt organisation’. However, this equally places restrictions on the quantum of units and time scales and does not allow for any permanent structures. Hence whilst a good option to get started, this route does not provide the type of unique luxury experience that the market is now demanding. Therefore in most cases a planning application will still be required.
For support with planning permission for camping or glamping on your land, come and see our Chartered Town Planners at The Glamping Show 2024 and we would be delighted to discuss your options. Alternatively, if you want to get started now, contact our experienced planning team on 01892 509280.
