Hello, landowner. You have land. You want income. You need to know the rules. This guide explains Class BC. This is the law for temporary campsites in England. It is your path to farm diversification camping. Read this. Follow the steps. Start your business.
What is Class BC Camping in England?
Class BC is a legal right. It belongs to landowners in England. It allows you to run a campsite. You do not need full planning permission. The government created this in 2023. It is now the standard for 2026. Use it to host guests. Use it to earn money.
The rules changed recently. The old 28-day rule is gone for camping. You now use Class BC. It gives you more time. It gives you 60 days. This is the temporary campsite 60 days rule. It is better for your business. It is better for your land.
Explore the legals to understand your rights. We know the details. We help you succeed.
The 60-Day Rule Explained
You can open for 60 days. This is per calendar year. The days do not have to be consecutive. You can pick weekends. You can pick summer weeks. You choose the dates. You must track every day. A part of a day counts as a full day.
Stop at 60 days. Do not go over. Going over requires full planning. Full planning is slow. Class BC is fast. Use your 60 days wisely. Focus on peak times. Choose bank holidays. Choose school holidays. This is the core of permitted development rights campsite UK.
The 50-Pitch Limit
You have a cap. You can have 50 pitches. A pitch is for one unit. A unit is a tent. A unit is a campervan. A unit is a motorhome. Do not exceed 50. This keeps the site small. It keeps the site manageable. It protects the land.
Count your guests. Manage your bookings. Stay under the limit. This rule is strict. It applies to every day you are open. Small sites are popular. People like space. Use this to your advantage.
Understanding Notification Requirements
You must talk to the council. This is a notification. It is not an application. You tell them your plans. You do this every year. Do it before you start. Send a site plan. Send your dates.
The council needs to know. They need to see your layout. They need to see your waste plan. This is a simple step. Do not skip it. It makes your site legal. It keeps you safe from fines. We can help you with this paperwork.
Unlock your land and potential today. We handle the hard parts.
Toilet and Waste Facilities
You must provide toilets. You must provide waste disposal. This is the law. You cannot have guests without them. Use portable units. Use eco-friendly options. Keep them clean. Empty them often.
Place them in good spots. Make them easy to find. Hide them from view. Use vibrant greenery for screening. This keeps the site pretty. It keeps the site hygienic. Good facilities mean happy guests. Happy guests leave good reviews.
Prior Approval and Flood Zones
Check your flood zone. Use the government map. Is your land in Zone 2? Is it in Zone 3? If yes, you need prior approval. This is more than a notification. You need a flood risk assessment.
The council will check safety. They want to protect guests. They want to prevent accidents. If you are in Zone 1, you are lucky. You do not need prior approval. You just notify. Know your zone before you start. This is vital for Class BC camping England.
Prohibited Land Types
Some land cannot use Class BC. You cannot use SSSIs. You cannot use Scheduled Monuments. You cannot use land near listed buildings. These areas are protected. The law wants to save them.
Check your land status. Look at your deeds. Talk to a professional. If your land is ordinary farmland, you are usually safe. If it is a historic site, stop. You need a different plan. We help you identify safe zones.
Farm Diversification Camping Strategies
Farmers need new income. Camping is a great choice. It uses empty fields. It requires little investment. You use your existing land. You host guests for two months. You earn extra cash.
Start small. Use one field. See how it goes. Add more pitches later. Keep it simple. Provide water. Provide toilets. Offer a great view. This is the best way to diversify. It fits around your farm work. It brings people to the countryside.
Hospitality Diversification for Pubs and Hotels
Do you own a pub? Do you own a hotel? Use your garden. Use your back field. Offer camping to your customers. They eat in your restaurant. They drink in your bar. They stay in their tents.
This increases your profit. It fills your tables. It makes your business a destination. Guests love the convenience. They love the atmosphere. 50 pitches can bring 150 people. That is a lot of dinners. That is a lot of pints.
Management and Safety Protocols
Safety is your job. You must have a plan. Think about fire safety. Think about guest behavior. Have clear rules. Post them on signs. Tell people where to park.
Check the site daily. Pick up litter. Check the toilets. Talk to your guests. Be a good host. Good management prevents problems. It keeps the council happy. It keeps the neighbors happy. Open Sky Adventure sets the standard for safety.
The Licensing Gap: 42 vs 60 Days
Planning and licensing are different. Class BC gives you 60 days for planning. But licensing law has a 42-day rule. You can stay open for 42 days in a row. After that, you need a break.
Move your tents. Clear the field for 24 hours. Then start again. This keeps you exempt from a site license. Or, you can get a license. We recommend the break. it is easier. It is faster. Stay legal on both sides of the law.
Join Open Sky Adventure
Running a campsite is work. We make it easy. We have the expertise. We have the brand. We have the guests. Partner with us. Use our license. We guide you through every step.
We provide the gear. We provide the bookings. We provide the support. You provide the land. It is a perfect match. Join a community of successful landowners.
Take Action Today
Your land is an asset. Use it now. The 2026 season is coming. Prepare your fields. Check your flood zones. Notify your council. Start your farm diversification camping journey.
Don't wait. The rules are clear. The opportunity is big. Follow Class BC. Build your campsite. Change your future.
We will happily help you, signup live now if you have an interest in joining our license agreement.
Get in touch with Open Sky Adventure to start.