Staycation boom
Opportunity arises for rural businesses to take advantage of rise in domestic tourismChanges to permitted development rights means rural businesses are well-placed to take advantage of the boom in domestic tourism.
The alteration in planning regulation has seen an increase in the length of time farms can legally operate a campsite, without requiring planning permission, from 28 days to 56 days for this year only.
The permitted development rights for temporary uses of land do not apply solely to campsites but can also be used for cross country eventing, weddings, car parking and so on.
CLA President Mark Bridgeman said:
“The boom in UK staycations provides many farmers and land managers the opportunity to develop new businesses - without requiring planning permission first. The use of permitted development rights to develop campsites, wedding venues or other similar businesses is a crucial factor in growing the rural economy and creating good jobs for local people.
“The rural economy has a huge amount of potential, particularly as we emerge from Covid-19. To make the most of this potential we need to maintain high standards, but also ensure rules are flexible and dynamic enough to allow businesses to adapt quickly. Simple measures such as extending permitted development rights will play an important role in ensuring the rural economy can bounce back strongly from the pandemic.”
From Monday (April 12), self-contained accommodation such as campsites and holiday lets, where indoor facilities are not shared with other households, are able to reopen.