The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) is consulting on a change to permitted development rights in England to include the introduction of a “new permitted development right which will allow the temporary use of land for recreational campsites. This right would allow for the placing of tents on land and the provision of moveable structures related to that use, without having to submit a planning application”.

The justification is given as:

“Over the past 2 years England has seen a renewed demand for domestic holidays, and holidaymakers have enjoyed trips to our magnificent coastlines, countryside, towns and cities. As the country faces new economic challenges, the government recognises the importance of supporting the local tourism industry and domestic holidaymakers to ensure that as many people as possible can enjoy summer breaks in England.

The consultation seeks views on the introduction of a new permitted development right that will allow the temporary placement of tents on land for leisure purposes, subject to limitations and conditions. This will ensure that holidaymakers can continue to visit and stay in popular destinations around the country and provide a boost to local economies and businesses, in line with our levelling up ambitions”.

However – the proposal does not extend to allowing the siting of caravans, motorhomes or campervans!

“In order to limit potential impacts on the land and highways, we are proposing that the right should not allow for the siting of caravans, motorhomes and campervans”.

In addition it is proposed that:

• the right should allow for campsites to operate for up to 60 days per calendar year where there is no need for a licence to run a campsite if the site is used for camping in tents on fewer than 42 consecutive days, or fewer than 60 days in any 12 month period and

• the new right should require the on-site provision of temporary facilities for showers and toilets, as well as waste storage and collection, to ensure that every campsite will provide adequate facilities to visitors. Moveable structures could only be installed on the land where they support the campsite use.

The consultation runs until 25^th April.  For more detail and to respond visit:

https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/permitted-development-rights-supporting-temporary-recreational-campsites-renewable-energy-and-film-making-consultation/permitted-development-rights-supporting-temporary-recreational-campsites-renewable-energy-and-film-making-consultation