Shortcut to Glamping Planning Permission

Your Shortcut to Glamping Planning Permission: Fireside Camping Club x Tree Tents

Guest Q&A with Lucy from Fireside Camping Club

In the ever-growing world of off-grid escapes and wild luxury, one question always lingers for landowners and hosts: “How do I legally set up a glamping site without spending months drowning in red tape?”

At Tree Tents, we know that time, money, and energy are precious - especially when you're bringing a bold vision to life. That’s why we’re excited to share a game-changing path to planning exemption, by joining forces with Fireside Camping Club, part of the Nature’s Law Group.

We recently sat down with Lucy from Fireside Camping Club, a recognised exempted organisation that offers an accessible, reputable route to getting your site certified glamping units - without the hassle of traditional planning permission. 

Landowners who join Fireside Camping Club gain access to expert support in running successful glamping sites. The club provides guidance on everything from working with suppliers (like Tree Tents!) to marketing, navigating legal frameworks and dealing with local planning authorities (LPAs). With years of experience, they help landowners create thriving, sustainable sites with minimal hassle.)

If you’re in a hurry, visit www.natureslaw.co.uk or email Lucy at firesidecampingclub@gmail.com

If you’ve got 5 minutes, here’s everything you need to know:

First things first: What is Fireside Camping Club certification?

'Fireside Camping Club is an Exempt Organisation. A licensed body, approved by Natural England, the Welsh and the Scottish Government, that has been granted permission to certify suitable land for camping or glamping (known as certified sites) without the need for full planning permission.'

 

What kind of structures can I install?

Whether you’re dreaming of a forest-framed Tree Tent, a shepherd hut, glamping pod, yurt or self-build - Fireside allows any non-permanent “caravan-style and tent” unit that complies with UK regulations.

Tree Tents wilderness structures fall within that categorisation, meaning you could have a site featuring up to five of our most iconic cabins: the Birdhouse Modular or the Fuselage! 

Our suspended Tree Tents and canvas a-frame Airspaces are classed as ‘tents’, and there’s no limit on how many of these you could pitch-up under an exemption certificate! 

“The maximum permitted dimensions are:

20m long x 6.8m wide x 3.05m high,” says Lucy.

“Many of Tree Tents' designs are well within those limits.” 

Speak with the Tree Tents sales team to explore which structure best suits your land and vision.

Do guests have to book through their site? Will they take a cut?

Absolutely not.

Fireside charges a one-off application fee and an annual renewal fee—and that’s it. No commission, no exclusivity.

"You’re free to list your Tree Tent on your chosen platform such as Airbnb, Booking.com, Farm Stays, or your own website,” Lucy explains.

"We promote certified sites on our website, we direct advertisement to your listing and you keep full control over your bookings."

What else can I add to my site?

Decking? Allowed - so long as it stays under 300mm high and within permitted development rights specific to your area.

Services like water or power? You can use existing infrastructure, as long as the connection is temporary to meet the certification requirements, but no digging in new pipes or cables.

Live there full-time? No - certification is strictly for holiday letting, not residential use. Each guest stay is limited to a maximum of 28 consecutive days. 

How many Tree Tents can I set up?

Certification allows up to five ‘caravan style’ units and as many tent pitches as your space reasonably allows. A perfect setup for a low-impact, high-experience glamping retreat.

Do I need to own the land?

Nope. As long as you have written permission from the landowner, you're eligible to apply.

What about tricky areas - like AONBs or Green Belts?

Usually possible, but more complex.

Sites in Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs), Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs), or Green Belt may require additional scrutiny, Lucy advises.

But we’ve certified in sensitive zones before, it all depends on the details.

Is there a catch?

• Not really! But there are responsibilities:
• Public liability insurance is mandatory.
• Site inspections are part of the process.
• If neighbours raise valid objections, Fireside may add conditions or, in serious cases, revoke certification.

How long does it all take?

Some sites are certified in as little as two months. Others take longer depending on location, local feedback, and site access.

And yes, your Local Planning Authority is notified, along with the parish council, as part of the formal process. A site notice is also posted for transparency.

Want to add Tree Tents to your site, without lengthy planning?

Fireside’s certification is more than a shortcut - it’s a credible, low-barrier gateway to glamping site legitimacy. It gives you the freedom to launch, list, and grow - without waiting months for planners to catch up.

Whether you’ve got a single Tree Tent in a secluded woodland or want to grow a small cluster of sustainable stays, Fireside could be the fastest way to bring your site to life, legally.

 

Ready to take the next step?

Get in touch with Tree Tents to explore which of our models fit the certification criteria, or reach out to Fireside Camping Club directly to start your application.

Your guests are waiting. Let’s get you certified.

Email jazz@treetents.co.uk or book in a quick call with Jazz here

Visit www.natureslaw.co.uk or email Lucy at firesidecampingclub@gmail.com