Summer 2023 – well it is still hanging on in there, gifting us the 6th wettest July on record. Never have we seen the term ‘changeable’ bandied around with such aplomb. But as the rain hammers down, there is something of a light at the end of the tunnel, leading us to hope for a better summer (at least weatherwise!) in 2024.
Who would have thought it would come in the form of PERMITTED DEVELOPMENT RIGHTS and ones relating to temporary recreational campsites, or as we down at Plainview HQ prefer – ‘pop-up’ campsites.
Got a piece of land you are wondering what to do with? Seeking another income stream as the cost of living goes haywire? Feeling the pinch with the ongoing phasing out of BPS? Well, perhaps a pop-up campsite might be of interest?
The 60-day rule
As of the 26th July 2023 a new PDR came into force (Class BC of Part 4 of Schedule 2 no less!) that will enable the use of land as a recreational campsite for 60 days per calendar year for no more than 50 pitches. This PDR applies to tents, motorhomes and campervans but NOT to touring caravans.
This permitted development right includes the provision of any moveable structure reasonably necessary for the purposes of the permitted use, but will not allow any permanent works or operations.
Interested? Well, any site wishing to operate as a temporary recreational campsite needs to provide notification to their Local Planning Authority in writing before commencement, each calendar year. And you will need to provide the dates for the intended use, and a site plan identifying the location for temporary toilets and waste disposal facilities.
As ever with PDRs, there are caveats and restrictions. For example, if your site is within the curtilage of a listed building, SSSI or scheduled monument then you will require full planning permission for your pop-up campsite. So too for land within safety hazard areas or military explosive storage areas – although to be honest these don’t sound like locations synonymous with camping holidays.
Furthermore, if your site is in a Flood Zone 2 or 3 then you will need to apply for prior approval and, importantly, receive confirmation of the approval before using the land. Bear in mind, this can take up to 56 days.
And it will be worth checking if your local authority has an Article 4 in place which might restrict these permitted development rights in the first place.
Although outside a planner’s remit, we thought it useful to flag that if you intend to be open for more than 42 consecutive days, then you may need to apply for a licence, although check this with your local authority.
What about the 28-day rule?
Ah yes, that heady PDR which provided for a 28 day ‘pop-up’ campsite with unlimited tents? Well, this is still in place but only until 25th July 2024. At this point, an Article 3 will amend this, to disapply the use of the land for a recreational campsite, other than in connection with a festival.
Does this also apply to glamping sites?
Key to this PDR is that it is temporary in nature and intended to cater for tent style camping and/or motorhomes and campervans. Glamping structures, such as log cabins, that can’t be moved are likely to need planning permission.
If you aren’t sure, require help with your camping PDRs, need planning support with your land diversification project then contact our resident all things rural planning guru, Sam, to find out how we can best help you and to receive a no obligation fee quote for our services.
About us
We are Plainview Planning – a solutions orientated, experienced and knowledgeable team of planning consultants. If you need professional and informed planning support with your development project, then contact our team via enquiries@plainview.co.uk, to see how we can best assist you, providing the site address and a brief overview of your project. You can also submit your site via our Landmark Page. We value your privacy and any information which you provide will not be shared outside of our company and will only be used in relation to your enquiry.
Resources: EXPLANATORY MEMORANDUM TO THE TOWN AND COUNTRY PLANNING (GENERAL PERMITTED DEVELOPMENT ETC.) (ENGLAND) (AMENDMENT) ORDER 2023