A new class of permitted development right for the temporary use of land for recreational campsites

The Welsh Government has extended permitted development rights through amending current legislation to allow the use of land for recreational campsites for up to 60 days per year with no limit on the number of pitches, to support tourism and rural economies. However, this extension will not apply to land within national parks, where the 28-day limit remains. If you are unsure if your land is located with the National Park, please contact us. The amendments to the legislation came into force on 1st June 2026 – The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (Amendment) (Wales) Order 2026. The former camping provisions under the 1995 Order will cease on the 1st September 2026.

 

Conditions and limitations

The land cannot be used for more than 28 days in any calendar year. The 28 days do not have to be consecutive. Any temporary structures (e.g. portable toilets/showers) that remain on site count towards the permitted 28 days.

It is important to note that permitted development rights would not apply where the proposed campsite would be:

a) on a site of a scheduled monument;

b) on a site in a special area of conservation;

c) in a safety hazard area;

d) in a military explosives storage area;

e) on a site of special scientific interest;

f) on a Ramsar site;

g) on a site of a listed building;

h) on a site in a special protection area;

i) on a site within Flood Zones 2 or 3;

j) on land within 100 metres of a protected dwelling (i.e. a dwellinghouse or a flat occupied by someone other than the campsite owner or operator).

k) for the siting of any caravan except a caravan which is used as a motor vehicle designed or adapted for human habitation.

Any use exceeding these limits would constitute a breach of planning control, against which the Authority may take enforcement action.

These rights apply to camping and is separate from the requirements for caravans, which are regulated differently.

 

What you need to do

Prior to using land as a temporary campsite, there will be a need to apply to the Authority as to whether prior approval is required for each calendar year. You will need to submit details of:

i. arrangements for toilet and wastewater facilities;

ii. arrangements for waste disposal facilities; and

iii. the proposed means of vehicular access to the site at which the development is to be carried out.

The purpose of the prior approval process is to safeguard protected landscapes and ensure proper site management.

Further guidance on the prior approval process is expected to be published by the Welsh Government in due course.

 

How to apply for a determination of whether prior approval is required

You can apply online, or PDF forms are available to download:

Apply online Download
PDF Application Forms

 

Exemption Certificated Sites

Members of recreational organisations (e.g. The Scout Association, Camping & Caravanning Club) which meet certain requirements can camp on land without a site licence and without the need to apply for planning permission if their organisation holds a camping exemption certificate. The Welsh Government provides guidance on camping exemption certificates for organizations that meet specific criteria – A guide to camping.

Whilst an exemption certificate allows land to be lawfully used for tented camping, it does not permit any operational development, i.e. the creation of hardstanding, tracks and permanent structures such as toilet/shower facilities. These would require planning permission.

Caravans and motorhomes are not covered by camping exemption certificates and are subject to separate regulations.

 

* This information is intended to be a guide and should not be regarded as a full interpretation of the legislation. It is advised to seek advice from the Authority before carrying out any works that you consider may be permitted development through the pre-application service. *