Planning Consultancy

Glamping & Camping Opportunities

Glamping and camping can create valuable opportunities for rural diversification, but the success of a scheme often depends on understanding the planning position early.

We help clients assess the site, the likely planning prospects and the right route forward before proposals progress too far.

David Symons

Key contact

David Symons

Director – Chartered Architect

01332 347371Send email

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Planning Design

Planning advice for glamping and camping projects 

As well as a summer institution and perfect for a Great British staycation, glamping and camping is increasingly being used in farm diversification projects, offering unexpected opportunities to unlock potential at rural sites.

Whilst most Local Authorities will support glamping initiatives, even in National Parks, it is imperative to understand the processes involved, and how the scale, complexity and design of your project will inform any potential planning decision.

Our team of RTPI Chartered planning consultants and RIBA Chartered architects have vast experience of working on projects in rural areas including glamping and camping schemes and can advise you each step of the way, to ensure a “pitch” perfect application.

What we can help with

Our support can range from an early planning appraisal through to a wider strategy for progressing a glamping or camping proposal.

  • Early planning appraisal

    A clear early view on the site, the planning position and the likely issues that may affect a proposal.

  • Site and policy review

    Assessment of planning history, local policy, countryside considerations and any designations that may influence prospects.

  • Scheme strategy

    Advice on the likely scale, form and approach that may be most realistic for the site.

  • Pre-application advice

    Guidance on whether engagement with the local authority is likely to be useful before a formal submission.

  • Planning submissions

    Support in preparing and coordinating planning applications and the material needed to present a clear case.

  • Design and multidisciplinary input

    Joined-up support drawing on planning, rural, architectural and heritage expertise where required.

Frequently asked questions

In many cases, yes. The answer depends on the nature of the proposal, the scale of the scheme, the structures involved and the planning context of the site.A planning appraisal is an early-stage professional review of a site or proposal. It helps identify the relevant policy context, likely planning issues, site constraints and realistic prospects before the project moves further into design or submission.

Many local authorities are open to well-considered rural tourism and diversification proposals, but support will depend on the site, the setting, policy context and how the proposal is designed and justified.

Potentially, but these locations need particularly careful consideration. Issues such as landscape impact, design, ecology and the wider setting are often critical.

It is usually worth understanding the planning position, likely site constraints, access, landscape setting, servicing needs and whether supporting surveys or reports may be required.

Yes. Early planning advice is often one of the most valuable stages, helping clarify whether the site and the proposal appear realistic before further costs are incurred.No planning consultant can guarantee an outcome, but an appraisal can provide a clearer and more informed view of likely prospects, risks and the issues most likely to affect a future application.

Yes. We can support early appraisal, strategy, pre-application advice, planning submissions and wider multidisciplinary input where needed.That depends on the findings. The next step may be design development, pre-application advice, further technical input or progression to a planning submission. If the project moves forward, we can continue to support those next stages.

Your next step

Need advice on a glamping or camping proposal?

We can help assess the opportunity, identify the key planning issues and advise on the most effective route forward.

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Why choose Planning & Design

  • Joined-up thinking

    Planning advice shaped alongside architecture, heritage and wider site considerations.

  • Clear, practical guidance

    Advice grounded in what is realistic, not just what looks good on paper.

  • Breadth of experience

    Support across residential, commercial, rural and public-sector contexts.

  • A structured approach

    Clear next steps, clear communication, and a process that keeps momentum.

Discuss your project