“Part 4, Class BC – temporary recreational campsites” 60-day ‘pop-up campsites’
Introduced on 26 July 2023.
The regulations for pop-up campsites have changed:
As a result of new permitted development rights that came into force on 26 July 2023, the regulations for temporary recreational campsites or ‘pop-up’ camping sites have changed. Details on The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development etc.) (England) (Amendment) Order 2023 can be found on the Legislation website.
The new rights allow land to be used for up to 60 days in any calendar year as a campsite (tents and campervans/motorhomes only) but you must notify your local planning authority in writing before opening a site. Guidance can be found on our find out if you need planning permission and apply in your area page.
To comply with the new legislation, the site should have no more than 50 pitches.
The developer must make on-site provisions for toilet and waste disposal facilities for guests.
The developer must notify the Local Planning Authority in writing before starting development in each calendar year. You must provide a copy of the site plan which includes details of:
- toilet and waste disposal facilities
- the dates on which the site will be in use
Where the proposed development is on land within Flood Zone 2 or Flood Zone 3, the permitted development is subject to prior approval by the local planning authority before the commencement of development in each calendar year.
Permitted development rights do not allow any permanent works or operations. The provision of temporary facilities such as toilets will be required. Please note, for each day the temporary facilities are in situ on the site, this will count towards the 60-day limit even if the site is unoccupied.
The legislation does not permit temporary use on or for the following:
- on the site of a scheduled monument
- in a safety hazard area
- in a military explosives storage area
- on a site of special scientific interest
- on a site of a listed building
- for the siting of any caravan except a caravan which is used as a motor vehicle designed or adapted for human habitation
Public Health Act 1936 – Section 269 – Tented Sites
The details of the Public Health Act 1936 can be found on the Legislation website.
If the developer intends to operate for more than 42 consecutive days or for more than 60 days in a calendar year, they require a Tented Site Licence (which only covers Tents) and this would require full planning permission before a licence can be granted. Further information can be found on our find out if you need planning permission and apply in your area page.