Applying for campsite planning permission in the UK

Do campsites require planning permission?

If you’re starting a new Hipcamp, you’re likely to need planning permission from your local planning authority (the district or borough council or National Park Authority) – as well as a campsite licence. You can find out more about licensing on our dedicated pages but read on for the Hipcamp guide to planning permission for campsites.

If the land you are operating on has never been used as a campsite before, and you want to operate for more than 60 days in England, or for more than 28 days in other parts of the UK, you’ll probably need to apply to the local planning authority (LPA) for a change of use. In addition, if you are planning on building any structures or facilities that are not temporary in nature, you will need to apply for permission for those, too, before you can start work on them (this also includes access changes, such as creating a new track or road to your site).

Operating a Hipcamp without planning permission

Some Hipcamps do not need planning permission. If you are planning on using an agricultural field for a short-term campsite, for example, you can do so under permitted development rights as long as you do not allow camping for more than those rights stipulate. The limit is 60 days in England and 28 days elsewhere in the UK. These rights also only allow for temporary facilities. Read more about the 28-day and 60-day rules to see if these rights cover what you are planning.

It’s also possible to operate a camping or caravan site without planning permission (or a licence) if you become part of an exempted organisation. These include clubs like the Caravan and Camping Club or The Greener Camping Club, which have the ability to certify member-only sites. Anyone who camps at your site will have to be or become a member of the club to stay there and both members and member sites will have to agree to conditions set out by the club. The operating procedures they stipulate can still end up being quite similar to those demanded by local authorities through licensing and planning but the process can be quicker and easier. You can read more about exempted organisations in our Hipcamp guide on the pros and cons of club membership. It’s important to mention that any permanent buildings needed for the campsite will still need planning permission – it is only the change of use of land that is exempted.

How to apply for planning permission for a campsite

If you’ve decided that you need to get planning permission for your Hipcamp, then you’ll need to find out who the local planning authority is. You can do this on the government website, The Planning Portal. From there, navigate to the planning department pages for your LPA to find out the specifics on how to apply for planning permission where you live.

The type of permission you are hoping to get will determine the level of information you will need to provide and how much the process will cost. You may need to consult a planning specialist to help with your application, which will likely consist of an application form and supporting documents in which you can explain your idea in detail. Make sure to point out all the benefits your campsite will bring to the local community.

Once your application has been submitted, planning officers will look at the likely impact your campsite will have on the local area and take into consideration planning laws and local plans. If the plans are considered contentious, they may be referred to the planning committee for a decision; this is a group of elected councillors. If this happens, you will have the opportunity to attend their meeting and to speak about your plans. Local planning authorities aim to have applications decided within eight weeks. For larger and more difficult plans, it can take up to 13 weeks. If it takes longer, you have the right to appeal.

Can I apply for planning permission retrospectively?

If you’re not sure if your Hipcamp needs planning permission, you can apply to the planning authority in your area for a Lawful Development Certificate. If issued, this means the development is lawful, no planning permission is necessary, and no enforcement action can be taken. You can apply for a certificate for a proposed development or for an existing one.

If you have been running a campsite for 10 years or more without planning permission – but no enforcement action has been taken, the legal time during which enforcement action can be taken has passed. In this instance a Lawful Development Certificate should be issued and you can legally continue the campsite. It’s important to note, though, that if you develop land without planning permission, where you should have it, you can be ordered to submit a retrospective planning application. If that application does not result in planning permission being granted, you could be subject to enforcement action which might mean undoing all the hard work you have done on your campsite. In short, if it’s not clear whether planning permission is needed, it is a good idea to talk to the planning department before you start work.

This article was created by the Hipcamp team based on our years of experience, research, and local understanding. However, please note that this is still only our interpretation of UK regulations and does not constitute legal advice. Hipcamp does not accept responsibility for errors and omissions. Different conditions may apply depending on your individual circumstances and we recommend seeking professional advice on implementing the rules.

This article was first published on 18th March 2023.