Temporary Recreational Campsites or pop up camping sites

How long you can use your land as a Temporary Recreational Campsite or ‘pop up’ camping site

From the 26 July 2023 the regulations for temporary recreational campsites or ‘pop up’ camping changed with the introduction of new permitted development rights. During a transitional period until 25 July 2024 the use of land for up to 28 days as a campsite (tents only but no restriction on pitch numbers) was allowed without needing planning permission.

From 25 July 2024

All temporary camping sites, including tent only sites, will only be able to operate under the 60 day permitted development right. This allows the use of your land for up to 60 days in any calendar year as a campsite (tents and campervans and motorhomes only), for no more than 50 pitches subject to limitations and conditions without applying for planning permission.

The limitations include notifying the local planning authority in writing before commencing the use of the land in each calendar year.

If your site is within flood zones 2 and 3 then you will need to submit an application for prior approval to the Council and receive confirmation of approval before using the land (please note that this can take up to 56 days).

All the rights are subject to limitations and conditions

Find out more by reading our:

Advice note to Landowner/Operator

Permitted developments and habitats regulations document

The operation of a temporary campsite without the necessary notification, prior approval or without compliance with habitats regulations is likely to result in a breach of planning control. Any unauthorised operation may be subject of enforcement action.

If you intend to operate for more than the 60 days permitted or outside of any other limitation, then it is likely that full planning permission will be required. You may wish to consider using our pre application advice service.

Contact planning

See our contact details. It includes our response times and the areas we cover.