Hello, landowner. You have land, you need income, and the rules changed. You can now run a campsite for 60 days. This is your guide to the 2026 rules.
The New Opportunity
In the past, you had 28 days. This was the old "Permitted Development" rule. Now, you have 60 days. This applies to England and Wales. It is a massive chance for profit. You do not need full planning permission. You use "Permitted Development Rights" instead.
Think of your empty field as a crop. It grows money for two months a year. You provide the space, and people bring the tents. You keep the farm running, but you add a new stream of cash.
Understanding the Rules in England (Class BC)
England uses Class BC. This rule allows 60 days of camping. You can host up to 50 pitches. A pitch is one tent or motorhome.
Key Conditions
- Maximum 60 days per year.
- Maximum 50 pitches at once.
- Provide toilets and waste disposal.
- Notify the council every year.
You must tell the council your dates. Do this before you start. Send them a site plan. Show where the toilets are. If you are in a flood zone, you need "prior approval." This is a check on safety. You must show an evacuation plan.
The Shift in Wales (Class BA)
Wales moved from 28 days to 60 days too. This is Class BA. It is similar to England but has hurdles. The 28-day rule was simple. The 60-day rule has more red tape.
The 100-Metre Buffer
In Wales, watch your neighbors. Some areas have a 100-metre buffer rule. You cannot put tents too close to houses. This protects privacy. It also limits where you can put pitches.
Prior Notification
You must register with the local planning authority. Do not skip this step. If you ignore the paperwork, your campsite is illegal. You could face fines. You could be forced to close.
Why 60 Days is Better
More days mean more money. You can cover two full months. This covers July and August. These are the peak months for UK camping adventures.
You can also split the days. You do not have to use them all at once. Use 30 days in summer. Use 30 days in spring. This helps you manage your farm work.
Essential Infrastructure
The law is strict on facilities. You cannot just open a gate. You must provide basic needs.
Toilets and Waste
You must have toilets on site. These can be portable. They must be clean. You also need a plan for rubbish. People create waste, and you must remove it. If the council sees litter, they will shut you down.
Moveable Structures
You can have small buildings. These must be moveable. Think of utility tents or sheds on skids. These are for showers or storage. They must leave the land when the 60 days are up.
Dealing with Red Tape
The rules are "easier" than full planning, but they are not "free." You still have to deal with the council. This is the new hurdle.
Prior Approval
The council wants to check certain things. They check flood risk. They check road safety. They check noise. You must submit your plans early. We recommend starting three months before you open.
The Paperwork Trail
Keep a log of every camper. Record the dates you are open. If the council visits, show them your book. Being organized makes you look legitimate. A legitimate setup attracts better customers.
Planning Your Site
Do not just pick a random corner. Think about the layout.
- Check the ground. Avoid boggy areas.
- Look for shelter. Hedges block the wind.
- Consider access. Can cars get in?
- Mark the pitches. Give people space.
People want a "wild" feel. They do not want to be on top of each other. Space out your 50 pitches. Use the natural shape of your land.
Safety First
You are responsible for your guests. Safety is not optional.
- Fire safety: Provide clear spots for fires. Use raised fire pits.
- Water: Provide clean drinking water if possible.
- Signage: Tell people where to go.
- First aid: Keep a kit on hand.
Read our guide on outdoor survival skills to see what campers expect.
Marketing Your Farm
How do people find you? You need a digital presence.
- List on apps: Use camping apps to find guests.
- Social media: Post photos of your views.
- Local pubs: Partner with local businesses.
A campsite brings people to the area. They spend money at the pub. They buy food at the shop. Everyone wins.
How Open Sky Adventure Helps
Legislation is boring. Paperwork is hard. We do the work for you. Open Sky Adventure helps landowners become "Exempted Organisations." This can sometimes bypass standard council rules.
We provide the expertise. We help with site plans. We guide you through the 60-day rule. We make your farm a legitimate destination. You provide the land, and we provide the knowledge.
Why Choose Us?
- Expert local knowledge.
- Full safety protocols.
- Professional site guidance.
- Support with council notification.
Stop letting your fields sit empty. Turn them into a 60-day cash crop. The 2026 season is coming.
We will happily help you, signup live now if you have an interest in joining our license agreement. Join the Open Sky group and let us handle the bureaucracy while you reap the rewards.
Email us to start your site plan today.