Planning Permission vs Our Licence: What You Need to Know Before Setting Up Your Glamping Business

When planning a glamping business, one of the biggest decisions you’ll face is whether to go down the route of applying for full planning permission, or to take advantage of our licence. On the surface, planning permission may seem like the “official” way forward but with our planning department, we can help with both traditional and modern routes to secure your new venture.

Here’s a breakdown of the key differences between the two, so you can make an informed decision that saves you time, money, and stress.

Is Planning Permission Really The Way?

Not necessarily. According to UK government guidance (GOV.UK), planning permission is not set in stone. Under Section 97 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (as amended), planning permission can be revoked or modified at any time before development is completed, if the local planning authority deems it “expedient.”

Even after completion, the council can use discontinuance orders to stop the use of your site, especially if circumstances change or complaints arise.

While it is possible to appeal such a decision in the High Court within six weeks, in reality, it’s incredibly difficult and expensive to retain a good barrister on such short notice. So while planning permission may look like a long-term solution, it’s not as secure as many people think.

Why Choose Our Licence?

Our licence is designed to offer an easier, quicker and more affordable alternative for those setting up a shepherd hut or glamping site. Here’s why our customers are choosing this route:

Pros:

• Fast-track setup: Skip the lengthy bureaucracy and start earning sooner.
• Lower cost: Avoid the £12,000+ price tag that often comes with planning permission applications.
• No complex surveys: Unlike planning applications, our licence doesn’t require expensive, specialist reports.
• Few conditions: Our licences come with straightforward, minimal restrictions.
• Reasonable annual fee: Predictable and manageable costs for small business owners.

Drawbacks of Planning Permission

Before you commit to the full planning process, consider the potential downsides:

• Long delays: The average wait time for approval is two years.
• High rejection rate: Applications are often denied due to:
  • Poor highway access or visibility
  • Location in a flood-risk area
  • Green belt or other protected land
• Expensive requirements: From ecological surveys to archaeological checks, the cost adds up fast.
• No guarantees: Spending tens of thousands does not ensure approval.
• Heavy conditions: Even approved applications often come with costly site alterations and restrictions.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to launch your glamping business quickly, affordably, and with minimal hassle, our licence is a smart and reliable alternative to traditional planning permission. It gives you the flexibility to get started without sinking thousands into red tape…with far fewer risks.

Have questions? We’re happy to walk you through how it works and help you get your business up and running in no time.

Contact us today to learn more about our licence and how we can help bring your glamping dream to life, without the planning permission nightmare:

Call us on 01476 550 191

Or email sales@stamfordshepherdhuts.com