Whether you’re imagining a handful of luxury domes tucked into a peaceful meadow or building a standout destination retreat, one thing is for certain: getting planning right is the foundation of your success.
To help you move forward with confidence, we’ve teamed up with planning expert Claire Wilkinson to answer the most common (and important) questions our customers ask.
Do I Need Planning Permission to Start a Glamping Site?
Short answer: not always.
In some cases, you can get started under Permitted Development Rights (PDR) – a set of government rules that allow temporary land use without full planning permission. As of July 2023, Class BC of the General Permitted Development Order allows land to be used for up to 60 days per year as a temporary recreational campsite (including glamping), provided certain conditions are met.
✅ This can be a low-risk, fast way to test your glamping business before committing to a permanent setup.
What Are The Conditions Under Permitted Development Rights?
To qualify for PDR, your site must:
- Operate no more than 60 days per calendar year
- Include no more than 50 pitches
- Provide temporary toilets and waste disposal
- Notify the local council in writing each year
- Avoid certain restricted locations (e.g. Sites of Specific Interest – SSSIs, Flood Zones, Listed Buildings and protected land)
⚠️ Important: If your land falls within Flood Zone 2 or 3, you’ll need prior approval.
What If I Want to Run a Year-Round Glamping Business?
If you’re aiming for a longer season or permanent structures, you’ll need full planning permission. While that might sound like a bigger step, it unlocks:
- Greater income potential
- The ability to create a premium, year-round guest experience
- More flexibility in design, infrastructure and branding
✅ Many of our most successful TruDomes customers start with PDR and then scale up with full planning once they’ve proven demand.
How Long Does Full Planning Take?
Typically, once submitted, a planning application takes 8-12 weeks to be decided. Before submission, your consultant will:
- Assess your site’s potential
- Help shape your vision
- Prepare key documents such as location and layout plans, flood risk assessments, ecological surveys and business justification
✅ A well-prepared application can make all the difference between approval and delays.
How Can a Planning Consultant Help?
We always recommend speaking to an experienced planning consultant early in the process to save you time money and stress. A planning consultant will:
- Advise whether PDR or full planning suits your land best
- Identify any local restrictions or Article 4 Directions
- Strengthen your application to maximise approval chances
- Help you avoid costly mistakes
Many of our customers have worked with Claire Wilkinson (MWT Planning), whose expertise in rural and leisure planning has helped turn ideas into thriving glamping sites.
Where Should I Start?
Every piece of land is different – and the right strategy can unlock its full potential. Your best next step? A site-specific consultation. From there you can:
1. Understand what’s possible on your land
2. Choose the right planning route
3. Start designing a glamping experience that stands out
Ready to Take the First Step?
If you’re exploring the idea of launching a glamping site:
- Talk to us about the best dome options for your vision
- Get connected with a trusted planning expert
- Start building a site that guests will love and return to
💡Your glamping journey starts with one conversation.
