Planning Permission for Glamping Sites

Helping You Navigate Feasibility, Flood Zones, and Planning Applications

Securing planning permission for a glamping site can feel overwhelming — but with the right advice, preparation, and design approach, many landowners successfully gain approval for low-impact holiday accommodation, even in sensitive or rural areas.

At Heritage Glamping, we support clients through the entire planning process — from initial site assessments to full planning submissions — working closely with specialist consultants and local authorities to ensure your project is viable, compliant, and future-ready.

Do You Always Need Planning Permission for Glamping?

Yes — in most cases, planning permission is required for:

Change of use from agricultural land to tourism or leisure use
Installing permanent structures (even relocatable pods or lodges)
Adding infrastructure like parking, access roads, drainage or utilities
Operating year-round or offering short-term holiday lets

However, some temporary use allowances (28-day rule or permitted development rights) may apply in specific situations. We’ll help you understand what applies to your land.

Key Planning Considerations for Glamping Sites

Key Planning Considerations for Glamping Sites

Every project is different, but local planning officers typically assess the following:

Visual impact on the surrounding landscape
Access to highways and public footpaths
Drainage and flood risk
Ecology, trees and biodiversity (BNG)
Sustainability of the site’s location
Proximity to protected areas (AONBs, SSSIs, Green Belt)
Noise, privacy, and neighbour amenity

We work with trusted planning consultants to help prepare strong, professional applications — backed by layout plans, access strategies, ecology reports, and Flood Risk Assessments if needed.

Planning in Flood Risk Areas

Yes, you can still apply for a glamping site in Flood Zone 2 or 3 — as long as the project meets the criteria of the Sequential Test and Exception Test.

We regularly support applications in flood-sensitive zones with:

Raised SIPS pod foundations
Elevated floor levels
Safe access and egress plans
Professional Flood Risk Assessments (FRAs)

With the right approach, many of these sites can still be deemed safe, sustainable, and acceptable by the local authority

What You’ll Need for a Full Planning Application

Site layout plan (scaled)
Pod designs and elevations
Design & Access Statement
Flood Risk Assessment (if in Flood Zone)
Ecological / Biodiversity reports (BNG)
Highways statement or access plan
Details of guest capacity, vehicle movement & utilities

We can supply architectural drawings, specifications, and work with planning consultants to deliver the full submission — or liaise with your chosen advisor.

Our Planning Support Services Include:

Site Feasibility Assessments

We’ll review your land, access, and surroundings to determine if glamping is viable and likely to meet local planning policies.

Design & Access Statements

We assist in drafting compelling Design & Access Statements that explain the visual and operational suitability of your site.

Scaled Drawings & Pod Elevations

Our team provides professional layout plans and pod elevations for submission as part of your planning application.

Coordination With Planning & Ecology Consultants

We work directly with your chosen planning adviser or ecologist to ensure reports are joined-up, accurate, and aligned.

Advice on Land Use, Permitted Development & Diversification

Get clear guidance on planning classifications, exemptions, and how your project may fit under farm diversification or tourism grants.

Full Turnkey Support – From Concept to Completion

From early feasibility to post-approval build, we support your project every step of the way — saving you time, risk and rework.

Lets Talk Planning

Before investing in surveys and paperwork, let’s assess whether your land is suitable and what’s realistically achievable. We offer honest, experienced advice from a team that’s supported dozens of successful rural applications.

What our clients say

Hear directly from our valued clients

“Working with this team transformed our rural property. Their insights and support made launching our glamping venture a breeze. We couldn't be happier with the results!