Can I create a caravan and motorhome site without planning permission? – Yes, you can!

“Landowners can test the suitability and viability of creating a site for caravans, motorhomes or camping, and do it very economically and without the cost and hassle of a planning consent application,” says Charles de Winton, CLA Cymru surveyor. As land managers look to the year ahead, many might consider new opportunities in tourism – notably if new events or attractions have been created in your area.

“It’s a good way to test your land’s suitability, customer demand, and your own appetite to step towards a larger business venture into managing a campsite.

“A Certified Location or Certified Site can be designated by several organisations such as the Caravan and Motorhome Club (CMC), the Camping and Caravanning Club, (CCC), and the Greener Camping Club (GCC). Usually all it costs is membership – under £100 per year. A maximum capacity of 5 pitches for caravans and motorhomes, 10 for tents, these sites logically need to be accessible for visitors from the highway, they must be on reasonably level, well-drained ground.

“Sites must be provided with access to fresh water and disposal of grey water, facilities not only for normal waste, but the contents of caravan/motorhome cartridge waste and or camping lavatories – known as a chemical emptying point. Electric hook-ups and toilets, shower and washing blocks aren’t essential, but of course they command a higher rate and some potential customers may be put-off by their absence. Usually the clubs limit landowners to just one site – and visitors must stay fewer than 28 days

“It's a special arrangement managed by these organisations, so site owners are expected only to accept bookings from members of the club – and owners must also be members. Landowners should expect their sites to be inspected by a representative of the club or clubs they’ve joined. Certified Locations are advertised to club members on the club websites. The CMC alone boasts 2,200 in the UK, around 250 in Wales.”

“As you would expect, there’s a simple application process,” Charles concludes. The CMC has produced a useful guide for landowners looking to create a Certified Location/Site, here.