Starting a glamping business can be a dream come true, but navigating legal requirements like glamping site licences, planning permission, and compliance can be complex—and costly if overlooked.
As glamping’s popularity grows, more prospective site owners are confused by conflicting information from industry suppliers. Many believe that a simple licence or approval will allow them to operate, yet this misunderstanding can lead to financial loss and even legal trouble. Here’s what every aspiring glamping entrepreneur needs to know about licensing, planning, and why compliance is essential for a successful, sustainable site.
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The Glampitect team - all working full time on helping people set up glaming sites
The confusion surrounding glamping site licensing has grown as suppliers and licensing organisations encourage prospective site owners to forgo planning permission in favour of a simple glamping site licence. Suppliers might downplay the importance of planning permission to sell units more quickly, but many new glamping owners eventually face enforcement issues that could have been avoided. Planning permission is often mandatory for commercial sites, especially those with permanent structures, utilities, or other substantial infrastructure.
Many glamping suppliers claim a licence will suffice, but this misguidance has led to severe issues for some. With over half of surveyed glamping suppliers saying that planning permission isn’t required, prospective site owners may believe they can skip a formal application. This misconception has created a "grey market" in the industry, with glamping businesses sometimes operating at high risk without appropriate permissions.Watch our full video on glamping licensing youtube now.
Calum's own Glamping site (with planning permission) North Coast 500 Pods
To operate legally, a glamping business must understand the distinctions between a glamping site licence and planning permission. A glamping site licence, often marketed by suppliers, is designed for temporary, movable structures like tents or yurts at most, without permanent utilities or foundations. These structures are presumed to be "temporary" because they lack fixed plumbing, power lines, or other semi-permanent installations. Licences were originally created for camping.
However, in the vast majority of cases, planning permission is required for commercial glamping sites. Planning permission considers factors like infrastructure impact, traffic flow, road access, environmental impact, and local development regulations. Planning authorities evaluate whether a site will impact the surrounding area, a crucial factor when installing multiple units or connecting to local utilities.
The misconception that a glamping site licence can replace planning permission is problematic, as local planning authorities are likely to issue enforcement notices if they discover a site operating without permission. An enforcement notice requires owners to dismantle any unauthorised structures, often within a strict timeline of just 28 days—an incredibly costly and stressful setback for any business.
Want to find out if a licence will work for you? Book a call with the team today.
Jack from the Glampitect team at the Farm Innovation Show
Without planning permission, glamping site owners are vulnerable to sudden disruptions. Complaints from neighbours, increased traffic, or use of any infrastructure or foundations can bring the site to the attention of local planning authorities, triggering an inspection. Even if a site has a glamping site licence, non-compliance with planning regulations can lead to severe consequences. For instance, some sites have faced mandatory removal of high-cost structures, such as glamping pods and shepherd’s huts, after spending hundreds of thousands on building and setup.
A glamping site licence may appear simpler, especially as some suppliers promote it as a shortcut. Yet, a licensed-only approach can leave business owners exposed to several challenges:
Want to find out more about glamping planning permission? Book a call with the team today.
Some of the Glampitect team at the Glamping Show
For glamping entrepreneurs, the benefits of planning permission far outweigh the costs and time involved. Planning permission ensures your site meets legal standards, reduces potential risks, and helps safeguard the future of your glamping business. Sites with planning permission are also viewed as more reliable by investors, lenders, and customers alike. For a glamping business intended to operate long-term, planning permission provides stability and legitimacy.
With planning permission, site owners can:
Drawing of a glamping pod
If you’re exploring options for a camping club licence or glamping club licence, be wary of overly simplistic licensing arrangements that bypass planning permission requirements. Consider consulting a planning professional who understands glamping regulations in your area. Additionally, ask suppliers clear, specific questions about compliance and licensing versus planning requirements.
When assessing a potential licence arrangement, here are some critical questions to consider:
If there are any doubts, it’s better to seek formal planning permission rather than risk future complications. Many glamping businesses find it beneficial to work with a consultant who can assist with both licensing and planning applications, ensuring all aspects of the site are legally compliant and sustainable.
Want to avoid the pitfalls of a glamping licence? Book a call with the team today.
A shepherd's hut requires planning permission, not just a licence
We spoke with some suppliers of glamping licences to get an understanding of what they were telling people. Frankly we were shocked. Here are some of the questions, their answers and our answers.
Q: Do glamping sites need planning permission for commercial use?
Q: Can you bypass council planning with a private licensing company?
Q: What if the site has basic utilities like water, drainage, or electricity?
Q: Is it safe to run electricity for glamping units above ground?
Q: Can I anchor glamping units if they’re heavy enough?
Q: How does a complaint from a neighbour affect my licensing?
Q: What is an enforcement notice, and when does it apply?
Q: What if the licensing laws change in the future?
Calum from the Glampitect team talking about glamping planning permission
A thriving glamping business requires more than just attractive pods or unique tents—it requires solid legal grounding and a deep understanding of planning requirements. While a glamping site licence might seem convenient, it doesn’t offer the same protection and assurance as full planning permission. Investing in planning permission from the start not only helps ensure compliance but also secures your business against unexpected risks, enforcement actions, and costly setbacks.
As the glamping industry continues to grow, responsible site management and adherence to local planning laws are crucial. Whether you choose a licence or opt for planning permission, ensure you fully understand the implications and protections each option provides. In the end, securing your site’s compliance is the best way to protect your investment and create a successful, sustainable glamping business that can welcome guests for years to come.