Bell Tent Sussex helps landowners across the UK turn fields and farms into profitable glamping sites without getting stuck for months in planning permission. This guide explains how to use exemptions instead of the traditional planning route, how the sixty day rule works in the UK, and how Bell Tent Sussex provides the right temporary structures such as bell tents, safari tents and stretch tents so you can launch your glamping business fast.
How to start a profitable glamping site with exemptions instead of planning permission
Many new glamping business owners believe they must secure full planning permission before they can welcome guests. In reality that is only true when you install permanent construction on the land such as concrete bases, fixed toilet blocks or heavy foundations. If you focus on high quality temporary structures supplied by Bell Tent Sussex then exemptions can offer a faster legal path to running a successful glamping site.
Why traditional planning permission slows down glamping businesses
The planning system in the UK can be slow and uncertain. Applications can take many months and even then there is no guarantee that a new glamping site will be approved. During that time your land is generating no income and you miss valuable peak season bookings.
Planning is usually required when you install permanent development. This includes concrete footings, fixed utility blocks, large foundations and structures that are solidly attached to the land. Once that type of work is carried out the local authority treats it as development and planning permission becomes necessary.
Most glamping accommodation does not need this kind of construction. High quality bell tents, safari tents and stretch tents can all be installed as temporary movable structures. When they are anchored correctly without big footings in the ground it becomes far easier to use exemptions and operate your glamping site without full planning permission.
Understanding the sixty day rule for UK campsites
The sixty day camping rule allows landowners to operate a campsite on their land for sixty days each year without planning permission. When used well this can cover almost every weekend through the main summer season which is useful if you want to test demand for your glamping offer.
However sixty days is not enough if you want a serious glamping business. You cannot rely on a part time operating window if your goal is to build a full time income from your land. You need guests staying during the week as well as at weekends. You want the freedom to host events, retreats and weddings and to take bookings across spring, summer and early autumn.
This is why many committed glamping operators look beyond the sixty day allowance and choose an exemption so they can operate every day of the week.
Why exemptions are the smarter route for full time glamping sites
Exemptions are a powerful tool in UK land use rules. They allow recognised organisations and carefully set up sites to welcome campers and glamping guests without going through the full planning process, provided that the accommodation is temporary and does not rely on permanent foundations.
These exemptions are official and well established. They are not loopholes. When your site uses temporary structures, avoids heavy footings and follows the correct standards you can legitimately run a glamping business that operates far more frequently than the sixty day limit.
The key is to work with products and layouts that fit the definition of temporary structures. This is exactly where Bell Tent Sussex supports you.
How Bell Tent Sussex supports exemption friendly glamping sites
Bell Tent Sussex specialises in supplying glamping structures that work perfectly with exemption style sites. Our focus is on movable, well designed accommodation that does not need large permanent footings in the ground which keeps your project flexible and planning friendly.
Our range includes:
- Luxury bell tents for couples, families and groups
- Safari tents made in Europe for high end glamping lodges
- Stretch tents for communal areas, events and covered dining
- Portable toilets and shower options that avoid permanent blocks
Every structure is designed for quick setup and takedown without heavy concrete foundations. This makes your site layout flexible, easier to adapt over time and well suited to exemption models. When you combine this with the right advice on positioning, spacing and guest experience you can create a highly professional glamping site that still qualifies as temporary.
Build your glamping site correctly from the first day
If you already know that you want to run a full time glamping business there is no benefit in starting halfway. Instead of relying only on the sixty day rule and hoping to expand later it often makes more sense to plan for exemptions and a long term layout from the beginning.
With the right structures from Bell Tent Sussex you can:
- Operate more frequently than the sixty day allowance
- Avoid expensive permanent construction work
- Test and refine your site layout with movable units
- Provide a high quality glamping experience from day one
This approach gives you the best of both worlds a compliant glamping site that respects planning rules while still allowing you to grow your income quickly.
Work with Bell Tent Sussex to create a successful exemption based glamping site
You do not need to fight a long planning battle before you can welcome your first guests. By choosing exemption friendly structures and temporary accommodation from Bell Tent Sussex you can unlock the earning potential of your land much sooner.
Whether you are planning a small boutique glamping meadow or a larger site with safari tents, bell tents and communal stretch tent spaces our team can guide you through suitable options and help you choose products that align with exemption rules.
To discuss your glamping plans and find out which tents and structures will work best for your land, contact us today through our contact page or browse our full glamping range in the Bell Tent Sussex online store.
Start your glamping site the smart way. Use exemptions, choose temporary structures that keep you flexible and let Bell Tent Sussex support you in building a profitable and professional glamping business from the very first season.
