Caravan/glamping

Alwaysinit

Member
Arable Farmer
Who can I contact to get advise on starting up a caravan/glamping site?
I am in Northern Ireland and recon I have a fairly good site but have no experience at all of such sites. Is there anything like a caravanning site association that can offer advise on such things like planning or point me in the direction of someone that could?.
I did have a bit of a google but didn't come up with anything.
 

Barleycorn

Member
BASE UK Member
Location
Hampshire
Are you sure that is exemption from licensing not planning?

I am no expert in this area, just from my reading of the regulations.
There are loads of small caravan sites known as CLs or CSs, mainly run by the Caravan Club. and the Camping and Caravanning Club. Caravan Club sites only allow 5 caravans/campers, whist Caravan & Camping sites can have 5 caravans/campers and 10 tents, all known as exemption sites not requiring planning permission. I must admit I was surprised to be allowed 50 tents, but the field is plenty big enough.
 
There are loads of small caravan sites known as CLs or CSs, mainly run by the Caravan Club. and the Camping and Caravanning Club. Caravan Club sites only allow 5 caravans/campers, whist Caravan & Camping sites can have 5 caravans/campers and 10 tents, all known as exemption sites not requiring planning permission. I must admit I was surprised to be allowed 50 tents, but the field is plenty big enough.
Yes I am aware of the 5 unit exemption, it is quite common and we have assisted clients with them in the past. It was the 50 pitch part that concerned me.
 

Pitchup.com

Member
Location
London
Hi @Alwaysinit ,

We have a lot of information about this on our ‘How to Start a Campsite’ page, including everything from planning and licensing to toilets and showers: https://www.pitchup.com/how-start-campsite-caravan-park/

‘Permitted development rights’ normally allow you to set up a tent campsite for up to 28 days each year (there is no limit on the number of tents). However the Northern Ireland government has asked councils to relax enforcement of the 28-day limit "should a longer period be appropriate and helpful for businesses" (https://www.pitchup.com/how-start-campsite-caravan-park/#PermittedDevelopment).

Alternatively, you can apply to become a member of an “exempt organisation” enabling you to accept caravans. Here is a list of exempt organisations in Northern Ireland: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet...naQCCLa7k7f97ttk5KKqm9AZs/edit#gid=1915465456. Tent camping does not require a licence, and may therefore be permitted development, in Northern Ireland but we would recommend checking with your local authority in case any local rules are in place.

Joining an exemption organisation typically removes the need for both a caravan site licence and planning permission for use of the site.

However, as with permitted development, "operational development" such as buildings and new roads would normally still require planning permission.

To address George’s point, The Camping and Caravanning Club is one of a number of organisations offering exemptions for “5-van” sites, but their rules mean you are not allowed to advertise on third-party websites. And while The Caravan and Motorhome Club does allow this, neither organisation takes bookings for certificated sites on their websites - only the Club Sites they actually own, meaning you would miss out on a lot of bookings. Moreover, significant membership fees may discourage customers from booking.

You can find a comparison of all the exempt organisations here - over 500 landowners have now joined the newer exempt organisations listed in the table which offer either free or low-cost membership to campers: https://www.pitchup.com/how-start-campsite-caravan-park/#LicenceExemptions

We’ve also listed some planning advisors here should you need them: https://www.pitchup.com/how-start-campsite-caravan-park/#Advisors

Incidentally, in Wales the government is currently consulting on permanently extending permitted rights to 56 days and in Scotland, guidance has been issued that “we do not expect the limits of the 28 day rule to be enforced against reasonable temporary outdoor uses”, listing temporary campsites and overnight stops for motorhomes and campervans as examples. You can find more information on this here: https://www.pitchup.com/how-start-campsite-caravan-park/#PermittedDevelopment

Let me know if you have any more questions or need anything else.
 
Last edited:

Alwaysinit

Member
Arable Farmer
Hi @Alwaysinit ,

We have a lot of information about this on our ‘How to Start a Campsite’ page, including everything from planning and licensing to toilets and showers: https://www.pitchup.com/how-start-campsite-caravan-park/

‘Permitted development rights’ normally allow you to set up a tent campsite for up to 28 days each year (there is no limit on the number of tents). However the Northern Ireland government has asked councils to relax enforcement of the 28-day limit "should a longer period be appropriate and helpful for businesses" (https://www.pitchup.com/how-start-campsite-caravan-park/#PermittedDevelopment).

Alternatively, you can apply to become a member of an “exempt organisation” enabling you to accept caravans. Here is a list of exempt organisations in Northern Ireland: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet...naQCCLa7k7f97ttk5KKqm9AZs/edit#gid=1915465456. Tent camping does not require a licence, and may therefore be permitted development, in Northern Ireland but we would recommend checking with your local authority in case any local rules are in place.

Joining an exemption organisation typically removes the need for both a caravan site licence and planning permission for use of the site.

However, as with permitted development, "operational development" such as buildings and new roads would normally still require planning permission.

To address George’s point, The Camping and Caravanning Club is one of a number of organisations offering exemptions for “5-van” sites, but their rules mean you are not allowed to advertise on third-party websites. And while The Caravan and Motorhome Club does allow this, neither organisation takes bookings for certificated sites on their websites - only the Club Sites they actually own, meaning you would miss out on a lot of bookings. Moreover, significant membership fees may discourage customers from booking.

You can find a comparison of all the exempt organisations here - over 500 landowners have now joined the newer exempt organisations listed in the table which offer either free or low-cost membership to campers: https://www.pitchup.com/how-start-campsite-caravan-park/#LicenceExemptions

We’ve also listed some planning advisors here should you need them: https://www.pitchup.com/how-start-campsite-caravan-park/#Advisors

Incidentally, in Wales the government is currently consulting on permanently extending permitted rights to 56 days and in Scotland, guidance has been issued that “we do not expect the limits of the 28 day rule to be enforced against reasonable temporary outdoor uses”, and lists overnight stops in motorhomes and caravans as an example. You can find more information on this here: https://www.pitchup.com/how-start-campsite-caravan-park/#PermittedDevelopment

Let me know if you have any more questions or need anything else.
Thank you for this.
A wealth of i formation, which I will take a few nights and read through.
 

OffGridCamp

Member
Who can I contact to get advise on starting up a caravan/glamping site?
I am in Northern Ireland and recon I have a fairly good site but have no experience at all of such sites. Is there anything like a caravanning site association that can offer advise on such things like planning or point me in the direction of someone that could?.
I did have a bit of a google but didn't come up with anything.
Hi @Alwaysinit. We're not into caravans and glamping but this might be of interest to you! A nice way to dip your toe into the world of camping and diversify your income without the hassle of running a conventional campsite. Let us know if you have any questions. Thanks!
https://www.offgridcamp.co.uk/
 

Overby

Member
Mixed Farmer
Location
South West
Thinking of doing something similar. We have a 5 acre field, serviced by an existing road and already supplied with water. If we were to get one of the exemptions mentioned above would we still need planning to put 5 hardcore parking bays in the field? Thinking of using toilet block, composting toilets to begin with, adding services later (proper showers, septic tank etc)on, or would it be better to go full bore right from the off?

Anyone with any experience? Your advice will be much appreciated.
 

SFI - What % were you taking out of production?

  • 0 %

    Votes: 76 43.7%
  • Up to 25%

    Votes: 62 35.6%
  • 25-50%

    Votes: 27 15.5%
  • 50-75%

    Votes: 3 1.7%
  • 75-100%

    Votes: 3 1.7%
  • 100% I’ve had enough of farming!

    Votes: 3 1.7%

Red Tractor drops launch of green farming scheme amid anger from farmers

  • 1,284
  • 1
As reported in Independent


quote: “Red Tractor has confirmed it is dropping plans to launch its green farming assurance standard in April“

read the TFF thread here: https://thefarmingforum.co.uk/index.php?threads/gfc-was-to-go-ahead-now-not-going-ahead.405234/
Top