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.
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
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Drainage & flooding — poor permeability, flood risk zones, outdated drainage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.
Planning in the UK is devolved — meaning the process differs in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
Most councils require detailed Design & Access statements
Some Local Plans actively encourage rural tourism, others don’t
Green Belt applications require special justification
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
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
A full glamping planning application in 2025 typically includes:
Expect council processing times to range from 8 to 20 weeks, depending on complexity and your local authority’s capacity.
You might be tempted to “ask for forgiveness, not permission.” But councils are now stricter than ever.
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.
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)
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