A quick guide to the steps required to get planning permission on land for lodges, caravans and glamping pods in the UK

Planning permission is a critical stage in the process of developing a lodge park in the UK. Obtaining planning permission is necessary to ensure that your lodge park development complies with local planning policies and regulations, and it can be a complex and lengthy process. Let's delve into the stages of planning in the UK to get planning permission on land for lodges in more detail:

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1. Initial Research and Site Selection:

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The first stage in the planning process is to conduct thorough research and identify a suitable site for your lodge park. This involves evaluating potential locations based on factors such as accessibility, proximity to amenities and attractions, environmental considerations, and local planning policies and regulations. You should also consider the demand for lodge parks in the chosen location and assess the potential for revenue streams. Once you have identified a suitable site, you need to ensure that the land is available for purchase or lease and negotiate with landowners or local authorities accordingly.

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2. Pre-Application Consultation:

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Before submitting a formal planning application, it is advisable to engage in pre-application consultation with the local planning authority (LPA) or other relevant stakeholders. This involves discussing your lodge park development plans with the LPA and seeking their feedback and guidance on the planning policies and requirements that need to be addressed in your application. Pre-application consultation can help you identify any potential issues or concerns early on and make necessary adjustments to your plans before submitting a formal application.

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3. Preparing and Submitting Planning Application:

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Once you have gathered all the necessary information and completed the required surveys, assessments, and designs, you can proceed with preparing and submitting a formal planning application to the LPA. This includes completing the relevant application forms, providing detailed plans, drawings, and reports, and paying the applicable fees. The planning application should address all the relevant planning policies and requirements, including details of the proposed development, its impact on the environment, access, utilities, landscaping, and other relevant considerations.

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4. Planning Authority Assessment:

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After submitting the planning application, the LPA will assess the application in accordance with the relevant planning policies and regulations. This may involve reviewing the submitted plans, consulting with other stakeholders, conducting site visits, and assessing the environmental impact of the proposed development. The LPA will also consider any feedback or concerns raised during the pre-application consultation stage. This assessment process may take several weeks to several months depending on the complexity of the application and the workload of the planning authority.

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5. Public Consultation:

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In some cases, the LPA may require you to carry out public consultation as part of the planning process. This typically involves notifying and consulting with the local community, neighboring landowners, and other stakeholders who may be affected by the proposed lodge park development. Public consultation may include public exhibitions, meetings, and feedback collection, and it may be a requirement for certain types of developments or in cases where the proposed development is likely to have a significant impact on the local community.

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6. Planning Committee Decision:

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Once the planning authority has completed their assessment and considered all relevant information, the planning application will be presented to the planning committee for a decision. The planning committee is usually made up of elected members of the local authority who are responsible for making decisions on planning applications. The committee will review the planning officer's recommendation and consider any additional information, including feedback from public consultation, before making a decision to grant or refuse planning permission.

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7. Planning Permission Granted:

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If the planning committee approves the application, you will receive a formal notice of planning permission. This will outline the conditions that need to be met for the lodge park development to proceed, including any modifications or mitigations that may be required. The planning permission will also specify the timeframe within which the development must be commenced, and any deadlines for the submission of additional information or compliance with conditions.

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8. Planning Permission Refused:

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If the planning committee refuses the planning application, you will receive a formal notice of refusal, outlining the reasons for the refusal. This may be due to non-compliance with local planning policies, concerns about the impact of the proposed development on the environment or the local community, or other relevant factors. If your planning application is refused, you have the right to appeal the decision to the Planning Inspectorate, an independent body that handles planning appeals.

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9. Appeal Process:

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If you decide to appeal the refusal of your planning application, you will need to submit an appeal to the Planning Inspectorate within a specified timeframe. The appeal process involves submitting written statements and evidence to support your case, and may also involve a hearing or a public inquiry where you and the planning authority can present your arguments in person. The Planning Inspectorate will consider all relevant information, including the planning policies, regulations, and local considerations, before making a decision on the appeal.

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10. Compliance with Planning Conditions:

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If your planning application is granted, you will need to comply with the conditions specified in the planning permission. These conditions may relate to matters such as the design and layout of the lodge park, landscaping, access, utilities, and environmental mitigation measures. It is important to carefully review and understand the conditions attached to the planning permission and ensure that you comply with them throughout the development process. Failure to comply with planning conditions can result in enforcement action, fines, or even revocation of the planning permission.

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11. Detailed Design and Construction:

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Once planning permission is granted and you have complied with any conditions attached to the permission, you can proceed with the detailed design and construction of the lodge park. This involves preparing detailed construction plans, obtaining necessary permits and licenses, and engaging contractors and professionals to carry out the construction works. It is important to ensure that the construction works comply with the approved plans, any relevant building codes, health and safety regulations, and environmental requirements.

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12. Monitoring and Reporting: During the construction process,

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the planning authority may conduct site visits to monitor compliance with the planning permission and conditions. You may be required to submit progress reports and updates to the planning authority to demonstrate that the development is proceeding in accordance with the approved plans and conditions. It is important to keep accurate records of the construction process and any changes made to the plans or conditions, as this may be required for future compliance and reporting purposes.

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13. Completion and Occupation:

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Once the construction works are completed, you can apply for a completion certificate from the planning authority. This certifies that the development has been completed in accordance with the approved plans and conditions, and that it is suitable for occupation. Once the completion certificate is obtained, you can start marketing and operating the lodge park, ensuring that you comply with any relevant licenses, permits, and regulations for the operation of the lodge park.

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14. Post-Development Monitoring:

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After the lodge park is operational, the planning authority may conduct post-development monitoring to ensure ongoing compliance with the planning permission and conditions. This may involve site visits, audits, and reporting on matters such as access, utilities, landscaping, and environmental management. It is important to continue to comply with the planning permission and conditions throughout the operation of the lodge park to avoid any potential enforcement action or fines.

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15. Renewal or Modification of Planning Permission:

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Planning permission is typically granted for a specific period of time, after which it may need to be renewed or modified. If you wish to make changes to the lodge park development or extend the duration of the planning permission, you will need to submit a new planning application or request a modification of the existing permission. This may involve similar stages as the initial planning process, including pre-application consultation, submission of plans and reports, assessment by the planning authority, and potential public consultation and planning committee decision.

In conclusion, obtaining planning permission for a lodge park development in the UK is a complex and multi-stage process that requires careful consideration of local planning policies, regulations, and community considerations. It is crucial to start with thorough research, engage with the local planning authority, and follow the necessary steps, from pre-application consultation to submission of detailed plans and reports, assessment, public consultation, and potential appeal or modification processes.

Throughout the planning process, it is essential to be mindful of the need to comply with planning policies, regulations, and conditions attached to the planning permission. Failure to comply with these requirements can result in enforcement action, fines, or revocation of the planning permission, which can have serious implications for the lodge park development. Some clauses relevant to a lodge, glamping pod or caravan park can be found below:

Mobile Home Planning Legal References

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Section 55(1) of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 defines ‘development’, which requires planning permission, as carrying out of building and other operations or making of any material change in the use of any buildings or other land.

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Under s 55(2)(d) of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 the use of any buildings or other land within the curtilage of a dwellinghouse for any purpose incidental to the enjoyment of the dwellinghouse as such is not to be taken to involve development of the land.

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The Caravan Sites and Control of Development Act 1960 Schedule 1. Cases where a Caravan site License is not required. 1. Use within curtilage of a dwellinghouse. A site licence shall not be required for the use of land as a caravan site if the use is incidental to the enjoyment as such of a dwellinghouse within the curtilage of which the land is situated.

Engaging with professionals, such as planning consultants, architects, and environmental experts, can also be beneficial in navigating the planning process and ensuring compliance with all relevant requirements. These professionals can provide expertise and guidance on planning policies, regulations, and best practices, as well as assist in the preparation of plans, reports, and submissions to the planning authority.

It is important to be proactive in addressing any concerns or objections from the local community or other stakeholders. Public consultation and engagement can help to build positive relationships with the local community, address any potential conflicts, and demonstrate that the lodge park development will benefit the local area and its residents.

Furthermore, it is crucial to be mindful of environmental considerations throughout the planning process. This may involve conducting environmental assessments, developing mitigation measures, and complying with environmental regulations and conditions attached to the planning permission. Demonstrating a commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship can enhance the chances of obtaining planning permission and contribute to the long-term success of the lodge park development.

Finally, it is important to keep accurate records of all stages of the planning process, including correspondence, submissions, reports, and any changes or modifications made. These records can be useful for compliance, reporting, and potential appeal or modification processes, and can help to ensure that the lodge park development proceeds smoothly and in compliance with all relevant requirements.

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In conclusion, the planning process for a lodge park development in the UK involves multiple stages, from pre-application consultation to submission of plans, assessment, public consultation, and potential appeal or modification processes. It requires thorough research, engagement with the local planning authority, compliance with planning policies, regulations, and conditions, and consideration of environmental and community considerations. Engaging with professionals and keeping accurate records throughout the process can also be beneficial. Obtaining planning permission is a crucial step towards the successful development and operation of a lodge park in the UK, and careful planning and compliance with all relevant requirements are essential for a positive outcome.

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