Do You Need Planning Permission for a Glamping Site in the UK?

Over 1,000 new glamping sites have launched in the UK in the past 2 years — but many stall at the first hurdle: planning permission.

We have a full in depth page on planning permission for glamping sites here.

Planning is often misunderstood. Some think glamping is so “low impact” it doesn’t need consent. Others assume land type is the only barrier. But in 2025, with councils under pressure and land use under scrutiny, you’ll almost certainly need planning permission — and you’ll need to handle it properly.

Here’s how it really works.

Why Planning Permission Is Needed for Glamping

In the UK, nearly all permanent or semi-permanent accommodation — including glamping pods, shepherd huts, safari tents, and treehouses — requires full planning permission. Even if you’re placing units seasonally or using them part-time, it’s still classed as a material change of land use.

Planning rules are in place to manage:

• Environmental protection (trees, flood zones, habitats)

• Infrastructure (access, drainage, fire access)

• Community impact (traffic, visibility, noise)

The only exceptions are:

• 28-day rule (temporary use without development — very limited)

• Permitted development under specific farm diversification schemes (still often needs prior approval)

👉 For full detail, check our Planning Permission Guide

Common Planning Permission Barriers

Most glamping planning applications are refused due to one or more of these issues:

• Access problems — narrow roads, no fire access, poor visibility at junctions

• Ecological concerns — proximity to ancient woodland, habitats for protected species (e.g., bats, badgers, otters)

• Drainage & flooding — poor permeability, flood risk zones, outdated drainage

• Visual impact — elevated sites with no screening, light pollution

• Noise & privacy — if near residential dwellings

💡 Real example: At Craigmaddie Glamping, Brian and Anne had to complete three different surveys before getting the green light. That included a flood risk report, an otter survey, and a heritage check — all handled with Glampitect’s help.

Key Differences by Nation

Planning in the UK is devolved — meaning the process differs in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

🏴 England

• Most councils require detailed Design & Access statements

• Some Local Plans actively encourage rural tourism, others don’t

• Green Belt applications require special justification

🏴 Scotland

• National Planning Framework 4 (NPF4) has strengthened environmental protections

• Rural economic development is encouraged — but nature must be prioritised

• Flooding and biodiversity are tightly regulated

🏴 Wales

• Planning Policy Wales govern rural development

• Strong emphasis on community impact, ecology, and sustainability

• Dark Sky and visual protection areas are common

👉 Start by reading How to Start a Glamping Business in the UK

What Planning Permission Actually Involves

A full glamping planning application in 2025 typically includes:

• Site location plan and proposed layouts
• Pod details and elevation drawings
• Design and access report
• Transport and access drawings
• Flood risk and/or drainage strategy
• Ecology survey (bat, bird, otter as required)
• Waste and utility provision
• Building elevations
  
• Market Research report

Expect council processing times to range from 8 to 20 weeks, depending on complexity and your local authority’s capacity.

What If I Already Have Pods?

You might be tempted to “ask for forgiveness, not permission.” But councils are now stricter than ever.

Can I Get Retrospective Planning Permission?

Yes — but it’s not guaranteed. If your site breaches land use laws, you could be forced to remove the pods.

If you already have units in place, contact us immediately. A retrospective application is better than enforcement.

How to Maximise Your Chances of Approval

Here’s what we’ve seen work best across 1,000+ applications:

• Start with a Feasibility Study

  • Before you invest, confirm your site is viable. We can help with that.

• Engage a specialist

  • Use a planning consultant who specialises in glamping, not generic planning. We can hopefully help here too.

• Tackle surveys early

  • Don’t wait for council requests — pre-empt ecological and access issues.

• Design for sensitivity

  • Blend with the landscape. Use natural colours and screening. Reduce visibility.

• Show the benefits

  • Emphasise local economic boost, low environmental impact, farm diversification, or family business legacy.

✅ Case in point: Rachel and Chris Johnson of Rutland Hideaways got approval in a sensitive landscape by aligning every detail with council priorities. (Case study coming soon)

Your Next Step: Get the Planning Help You Need

Planning permission is the biggest barrier — but it’s also surmountable, if you get it right from day one.

🛠️ We’ve helped over 1,000 clients secure permission for their glamping sites. If you’re even thinking about launching, your first move should be:

👉 Read the Glamping Planning Permission Guide

It’s packed with everything you need to know to approach your council with confidence — or know when to pivot.

If you’ve got land and want to explore next steps, book a free discovery call here.

Still unsure? Check out our complete guide: 👉 How to Start a Glamping Business in the UK