Hello, friend. Are you a farmer or landowner? Do you want to host campers in 2026? You need to know the new rules. Legislation changed recently. Class BC and Class BA are your new reality. Planning permission is not always required. Permitted development rights make it easier. You must still follow a strict process. Prior approval is your main hurdle.

We will happily help you, signup live now if you have an interest in joining our license agreement.

Check Your Eligibility First

Do not start without a check. Your land must be suitable. It cannot be an SSSI. It cannot be a Scheduled Monument. Do not use land near listed buildings. These areas have strict protection. You will need full planning there.

In England, look at Class BC. This allows 50 pitches. You can operate for 60 days. This includes tents and motorhomes. It does not include touring caravans.

In Wales, look at Class BA. This also allows 60 days. This limit drops in National Parks. It drops in AONBs too. You get 28 days in those zones.

Prepare Your Site Plan

Your site plan is vital. It is your first document. Make it clear. Use a scale of 1:1250. Or use 1:2500. Show your boundaries in red.

Include these items on your plan:

The exact location of every pitch.
The path for vehicle access.
Where cars will park.
The position of toilets.
The location of waste bins.
Water tap locations.

Do not guess distances. Use a tape measure. Accuracy prevents delays.

Sort Your Toilet and Waste Facilities

You must provide facilities. You cannot skip this. The council will check. They want to see hygiene.

Specify your toilet type. Are they compost toilets? Are they portaloo units? Explain how you will clean them. Detail your collection schedule.

Waste disposal is equally important. You need a bin for general waste. You need a bin for recycling. Tell the council who collects your waste. Provide a contract if you have one.

Show wastewater management too. Where does the gray water go? Do not let it soak into streams. Protect your land. Protect the environment.

Understand the Flood Risk Rules

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 in England. This is mandatory for Class BC camping England. You must submit a Flood Risk Assessment. This is called an FRA.

Your FRA needs a plan. Show how campers escape. Detail your warning system. Use the Environment Agency alerts. Tell the council how you evacuate people. Safety is the priority. Do not ignore flood risks.

Master the 100m Buffer Zone in Wales

Wales has a specific rule. It is the 100m buffer zone campsite Wales rule. It protects neighbors. You cannot camp within 100m of a "protected building."

A protected building is usually a neighbor's house. Measure from their property boundary. If your pitches are too close, you fail Class BA. You will need full planning permission.

This rule is strict. It prevents noise complaints. It keeps the peace. Check your distances before applying.

Manage the Consultation Period

The council will talk to others. These are called consultees. They have 21 days to comment.

In England, they talk to the Environment Agency. In Wales, they talk to highways. They might talk to Natural Resources Wales.

Be patient during this time. Do not build anything yet. Wait for the feedback.

Watch the Determination Windows

Time is everything. In England, the window is 56 days. The council must decide by then. If they miss the 56-day window, you might have "deemed approval." But always check first.

In Wales, the window is shorter. It is 28 days. This is for the initial determination. The council decides if you need Prior Approval. If they say yes, you submit more info.

The Annual Notification Requirement

This is not a one-time job. You must notify the council every year. Do this before you start. Send your dates. Send your site plan.

Notify the fire authority too. They need to know your layout. They need to know your dates. It keeps your campers safe.

Why Prior Approval Matters for Your Business

Prior approval protects you. It proves your site is legal. It gives you peace of mind. Without it, you face fines. You might get an enforcement notice. This stops your business.

Use permitted development rights campsite UK rules. They are your best tool. They save you money on full planning fees.

Join Open Sky Adventure Today

Do not do this alone. Camping legislation UK 2026 is complex. We are the experts. We help landowners like you. We handle the paperwork. We ensure your site is safe.

Join our community. Scale your rural business. Host unforgettable moments.

Your Action Plan:

Check your flood zone.
Measure your 100m buffer in Wales.
Draft your 2026 site plan.
Contact us for a license.
Submit your notification.