Hello, landowner. Welcome to your 2026 guide for Class BC camping. You have land, and you want to earn more from it. You can run a campsite for 60 days without full planning permission. This is your path to extra revenue and rural diversification.
Understand Your Rights
You need to know about Class BC. This is a Permitted Development Right. It applies only in England. It lets you use your land for camping. You do not need a full planning application. This saves you time and money. It is perfect for seasonal income.
Class BC was introduced in 2023. It replaced the old 28-day rule for campsites. You now have double the time. You can host guests for 60 days each year. Use these days to boost your farm or hospitality business. Check your land first. Ensure it is suitable for visitors.
The 60-Day Rule Explained
You can operate for 60 days per calendar year. These days do not have to be consecutive. You can open for weekends. You can open for the whole of August. The choice is yours.
Track your days carefully. Do not exceed the 60-day limit. Exceeding it causes legal trouble. Keep a simple log of your opening dates. This helps if the council asks questions. Start your season when demand is high. Focus on school holidays and bank holidays.
Scaling with the 50-Pitch Cap
You are allowed up to 50 pitches. A pitch is a spot for one unit. This includes tents, motorhomes, and campervans. Do not exceed 50 pitches at any time.
Think about your site layout. Give your guests plenty of space. Spaced-out pitches feel more premium. Use your 50 pitches to maximize your daily rate. More pitches mean more management. Balance your capacity with your facilities.
Mandatory Requirements for Your Site
You must provide facilities. This is not optional. You need on-site toilets. You need waste-disposal facilities. Without these, your campsite is illegal under Class BC.
Provide clean, high-quality units. Portable toilets are fine. Mobile shower units are even better. Ensure you have a plan for emptying waste. Hire a professional waste contractor. Keep your site hygienic and attractive.
Notifying the Local Planning Authority (LPA)
You must tell the council about your campsite. Do this in writing before you start. Send a written notification every year.
Include these details in your notice:
- The exact dates you will operate.
- A clear site plan.
- Details of your toilet and waste facilities.
Many councils want eight weeks of notice. Do not wait until the last minute. Send your letter early. Keep a copy for your records. This proves you are following the law. It builds a good relationship with your LPA.
Navigating Flood Zones and Restrictions
Check your flood zone status. Use the government's flood map for planning. If you are in Flood Zone 2 or 3, you need "Prior Approval."
Prior Approval is a specific process. You submit a Flood Risk Assessment (FRA). The council checks if your site is safe. You cannot skip this step. If your land floods, you must have an evacuation plan. Put safety first for your guests.
Avoid these restricted areas:
- Curtilage of listed buildings.
- Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).
- Scheduled monuments.
- Safety hazard areas.
If your land has these designations, Class BC does not apply. You will need full planning permission instead. Check the legals for more details.
Site Licensing and the 42-Day Rule
Planning and licensing are different. Class BC covers planning. You might still need a site licence.
If you host tents for over 42 consecutive days, get a licence. If you host tents for over 60 days total in a year, get a licence. Most Class BC sites stay under these limits.
Hosting motorhomes is different. Motorhomes are often treated like caravans. You might need a caravan site licence immediately. Check with your local licensing officer. They will tell you if you need a licence. Staying compliant keeps your business safe.
Maximize Your Land's Potential
Your land is a valuable asset. Use it to create memories for others. Camping is growing in popularity. People want unique, outdoor experiences. You can provide that on your farm or estate.
Start small. Test your site with 10 or 20 pitches. See what works. Listen to guest feedback. Use your 60 days to prove there is demand. This data helps if you want to apply for a permanent site later. Unlock your land and potential today.
Follow the Professional Path
Running a campsite is a business. Treat it with respect. Follow the rules for health and safety. Get proper public liability insurance. Create a clear set of site rules for guests.
Good management leads to repeat bookings. Happy campers leave five-star reviews. These reviews help you grow. Focus on the basics: clean toilets, mown grass, and a warm welcome. You are an expert landowner. Now, become an expert campsite operator.
How Open Sky Adventure Supports You
We are the industry leaders. We help landowners like you. We understand the complex laws. We handle the paperwork. We help with site layouts and marketing.
Joining a license agreement simplifies everything. It gives you professional backing. It ensures you stay within the law. You get to focus on your land. We handle the rest. We provide the expertise you need to succeed.
Final Action Steps for 2026
- Check your land designations.
- Verify your flood zone status.
- Plan your 60 days of operation.
- Draw your 50-pitch site plan.
- Arrange your portable facilities.
- Notify your LPA in writing.
- Get in touch with us for help.
Do not let your land sit idle. The 2026 season is approaching. Prepare your site now. Follow these steps to ensure a successful, legal campsite.
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 your journey.