Planning rule change for temporary campsites in England

A new permitted development right is being introduced in England to make it easier for farmers and landowners to offer temporary camping facilities as a form of diversification.

The new Class BC permitted development right allows for the temporary use of land as a recreational campsite for up to 60 days per calendar year without requiring full planning permission.

Previously, the limit for pop-up campsites has been 28 days – except during 2020 and 2021 when the government extended this to 56 days.

However, campaigners had been lobbying for a permanent increase in the limit, arguing that putting in place the necessary infrastructure for a 28-day season is often not financially viable.

The new right, which takes effect from 26 July 2023, allows for sites to accommodate up to 50 tents, motorhomes or campervans.

The landowner is obliged to provide campers with on-site toilet and waste disposal facilities and can use ‘any moveable structure reasonably necessary for the campsite use’.

Landowners must also give their local planning authority written notice before they open for the season.

This notification will require a site plan showing the details of the toilet and waste disposal facilities, as well as the dates on which the campsite will be in use.

Prior approval will be required if the site is located within Flood Zone 2 or 3, so the Environment Agency can be consulted, and warning and evacuation plans agreed.

The new permitted development right will not apply to land within the curtilage of a listed building, Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) or scheduled monument.

If you are interested in setting up a temporary campsite, please do get in touch with Marie Charles. We would be happy to help.