So, you’re thinking about starting a glamping site on your land. You’ve got the space, you’ve got the idea — but what about planning permission?
For many British landowners, the planning stage is where confidence starts to wobble. You might be asking:
Will the council even allow it?
What kind of reports will they expect?
What if the neighbours complain?
The good news? If you know what local authorities are looking for, you can prepare early — and avoid painful surprises down the line.
Let’s break it all down.
If there’s one thing planning officers won’t compromise on, it’s ecology. They need to know your glamping site won’t negatively affect local wildlife or habitats.
That might mean surveys for:
Protected species (like badgers, bats, or newts)
Birds
Woodlands and hedgerows
We’ve worked with clients who had otters on-site. At Craigmaddie Glamping, flood risk and biodiversity were real hurdles. But with the right surveys and expert advice, the project still went ahead — and today it’s a thriving site with potential for £30K/month in bookings.
With the introduction of biodiversity net gain measures for glamping sites (and other projects) this adds a layer of complexity that needs considered during the process. Typically landowners have enough space to create mitigation on site without too much work but you would need to utilise an expert to ensure the work is designed and completed correctly
👉 If you're unsure whether you'll need these reports, check out our guide on Do You Need Planning Permission for a Glamping Site?
You might know your land like the back of your hand — but planning authorities will still scrutinise how guests and emergency services can get in and out.
They’ll consider:
Road safety for turning in/out of the site
Visibility splays at the entrance
Surface quality for emergency access
Whether the nearby roads can handle increased traffic
If access is too tight, too steep, or too dangerous, your application could hit serious delays. Luckily, many issues can be solved with professional drawings and layout tweaks — as long as you know in advance.
Even if your site looks dry 364 days a year (or 9 years of every 10), planners rely on national flood maps — not just gut feel.
If part of your land falls within a Flood Zone 2 or 3, you'll likely need a Flood Risk Assessment (FRA) and mitigation plans. In some cases, that may involve raising pods, changing layouts, or building in runoff capacity.
This is another reason feasibility studies are so helpful — they spot red flags before you commit to expensive designs.
Your site may be quiet and remote, but planners still think about the wider impact:
Will glamping units be visible from roads or nearby homes?
How much external lighting will you need?
Will noise from guests carry to nearby properties?
You don’t have to hide everything — but being sensitive to the environment and neighbours matters. Clear plans and photos can make all the difference.
Each council area in the UK has its own Local Development Plan, which outlines what types of development are encouraged — or resisted.
Some councils actively support rural tourism. Others are wary. A good planning consultant (like the team at Glampitect) will know how to navigate these policies and build the case for your project.
And if you’re just not sure where your council stands, that’s what pre-applications and feasibility reviews are
Planning permission can seem intimidating. But in our experience, when landowners come prepared — with the right surveys, documents, and support — most get a positive outcome.
Even tricky sites can succeed with the right planning narrative. And you don’t have to figure it out alone.
👉 Download our free Glamping Planning Permission Guide — it walks you through exactly what to expect.
Or if you’re ready to get moving:
📅 Book a free planning call with our team
Related Reading:
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