Permitted Development Rights Extended to 60 Days

With just days before the start of the English school holidays, the Government has made a change to planning law which permits landowners and farmers to provide temporary camping pitches for up to 60 days per year.

Laid before parliament on 5 July, permitted development rights (PDR) throughout England have been extended from 28 days per year to 60 days for temporary campsites. It means that farmers and landowners can now operate their own pop-up sites for camping, campervans and motorhomes for almost two months per year without having to apply for extra planning permission.

With the ruling coming into effect on 26 July, they can start to benefit from the summer tourist season, we welcome this announcement:

It is great the government recognise the benefit of rural businesses providing local campsites. Camping in the UK has become increasingly popular in recent years, especially following the pandemic. With the cost of living rising and a tightening of finances, camping remains viable holiday option for many.

This change enables farmers to diversify their business without the need to invest in expensive infrastructure. It is of course also very good news for our rural economies as it will help to drive more people to spend locally.

Some farmers already have permanent campsites and others have provided seasonal temporary sites before. With more farmers seeing their incomes fall, this is a low cost means of adding value to farming enterprises.

The criteria set is that you must not operate more than 50 pitches, you must provide toilet and waste disposal facilities, and you must notify your local authority before the season starts. To qualify, sites must also not be in the curtilage of a listed building, on an SSSI or scheduled monument, in a safety hazard area or in an area where military explosives are stored. It is important to note that if you accept tents for more than 42 consecutive days, a camping licence would still be required.

We are more than happy to advise on planning and development issues for landowners whether it be for campsites, farm diversification projects or buildings/developments on farm. We have a team of highly skilled Land Agents and Planning Consultants within H&H Land & Estates. Get in touch today: 

• North Lakes - 01228 406260 | [email protected]
• South Lakes - 01539 72135 | [email protected]
• North East & Yorkshire - 0191 370 8530 | [email protected]