Do I Need Planning Permission for a Holiday Lodge? A UK Guide for 2025

If you’re considering adding a holiday lodge to your property — either for personal use, as a holiday let, or as part of a retreat or glamping site — one of the first questions you're likely to ask is: Do I need planning permission for a holiday lodge? The answer isn’t always straightforward, as it depends on a range of factors including location, usage, and the structure itself.

In this in-depth guide, we’ll explore when planning permission is required, the exceptions, and how to navigate the planning system across the UK, particularly in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Whether you're setting up a small weekend escape in your garden or launching a full-scale holiday park, understanding your obligations is crucial before you invest time and money.

What is a Holiday Lodge?

A holiday lodge is typically a single-storey, timber-framed building used for short-term stays. It might resemble a luxury static caravan, a log cabin, or even a modular building, but it’s generally designed for leisure use rather than permanent residence.

Holiday lodges can be placed in a variety of locations:

• In a back garden as an annexe or retreat

• On agricultural land

• On a campsite or caravan park

• As part of a commercial holiday let business

Each of these scenarios can trigger different planning considerations.

Do I Need Planning Permission for a Holiday Lodge?

The short answer is: in most cases, yes — but with exceptions.

Holiday lodges are considered “development” under UK planning law. This means they are not typically classed as permitted development (unlike small garden sheds or conservatories), so you will likely need to apply for planning permission — especially if:

• The lodge is intended for sleeping accommodation

• It’s used as a rental for paying guests

• It will be installed on agricultural, woodland or greenbelt land

• You’re connecting utilities (water, sewage, electricity)

Let’s break down the most common situations and the associated planning rules.

1. Installing a Holiday Lodge in Your Garden (For Personal Use)

If you're thinking of placing a holiday lodge in your own garden — perhaps as a garden room, wellness retreat, or extra guest accommodation — you might assume that planning permission isn’t required. However, this depends on a few key factors:

• Is the lodge being used as a separate dwelling? If the lodge is self-contained with its own kitchen and bathroom and could be lived in independently, then planning permission is almost always required.

• Is it being rented out? Even if it's in your own garden, using the lodge as an Airbnb or short-term holiday rental changes its classification to commercial use, which definitely requires planning permission.

• Is it a mobile structure? Some people attempt to use the “caravan” loophole (under the Caravan Sites Act 1968), where certain mobile lodges fall under different legislation. However, even caravans placed in a garden may need permission if they're used for sleeping or business purposes.
  

Verdict: If it’s for personal use and doesn’t include full facilities, you may not need permission, but always check with your local planning authority (LPA). If you’re renting it out — you will need permission.

2. Holiday Lodges on Agricultural Land

This is where planning becomes more complex. Many rural landowners look to diversify their income by using farmland for holiday accommodation. While this can be a great revenue stream, it usually requires full planning permission.

You’ll need to consider:

• Change of use: Agricultural land must be formally changed to tourism or leisure use.

• Impact on the environment and landscape: Especially in Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs), National Parks, or greenbelt zones.

• Infrastructure: Access roads, sewage treatment, parking, and noise management all affect planning outcomes.
  

Tip: Some local councils actively support rural tourism, so submitting a well-planned application with clear environmental considerations and economic benefits can work in your favour.

3. Holiday Lodges on Commercial Land or Caravan Parks

If you’re planning to add lodges to an existing commercial caravan site or holiday park, you’ll still need permission — particularly if you’re increasing the number of units or changing the type of accommodation offered.

Many holiday parks apply for site licences that include specific permissions about the number and type of lodges allowed. You’ll also need to make sure any new structures comply with:

• Fire safety regulations

• Accessibility standards

• Local noise restrictions

• Design criteria in line with the local area

  
  

Verdict: Always apply for planning permission before making any changes or additions to an existing commercial site.

4. Using a Holiday Lodge as a Full-Time Residence

This is a common scenario where people attempt to live in a lodge all year round, either to reduce costs or live more simply. However, holiday lodges are not typically allowed to be used as permanent homes unless you’ve received change-of-use permission from the council.

Many planning permissions for holiday lodges specifically include occupancy conditions like:

• "Lodges can only be used for holiday purposes"

• "The lodge may not be occupied for more than 28 consecutive days"

• "No person may use the lodge as their sole or main residence"

Violating these terms could lead to enforcement action from your local council.

What Happens If You Don’t Apply for Planning Permission?

Building or placing a holiday lodge without the proper planning consent can lead to serious consequences:

• Enforcement notices demanding you remove the structure

• Fines and legal costs

• Loss of future development rights on your land

• Complications when selling or remortgaging your property

Even if your neighbour got away with it, it doesn’t mean you will. Councils have been cracking down on unauthorised developments, especially in rural and tourist-heavy areas.

How to Apply for Planning Permission

If you’ve determined that you do need planning permission for a holiday lodge, here’s a simple breakdown of the process:

1. Speak to your Local Planning Authority (LPA) They can offer pre-application advice and tell you what documents you’ll need.

2. Prepare a Site Plan and Lodge Specifications This should include dimensions, elevations, materials used, and the position of services.

3. Submit a Planning Application This can be done online via the Planning Portal in England and Wales, or the relevant government website in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

4. Public Consultation Neighbours and interested parties may be consulted, and objections can be raised.

5. Await a Decision Most planning applications take between 6–10 weeks.

6. Address Conditions or Appeals if Rejected If refused, you can appeal or amend your application based on feedback.
   

Final Thoughts: Do I Need Planning Permission for a Holiday Lodge?

So, to recap — do I need planning permission for a holiday lodge in the UK? Most of the time, yes — especially if:

• You’re renting it out to guests

• It has sleeping, cooking, or bathroom facilities

• It’s on agricultural or undeveloped land

• You’re using it as a permanent or semi-permanent dwelling
  

For personal, non-commercial use in your own garden, you might be able to avoid full permission — but only under specific and limited circumstances. Always check with your LPA before proceeding.

Holiday lodges can be a wonderful addition to your lifestyle or business, but like any construction project, they need to be built with permission, planning, and a solid understanding of the legal landscape.

Need Help with Holiday Lodge Planning or Design?

At Glenview Retreats, we don’t just build beautiful, bespoke lodges — we also help our clients navigate the planning process from start to finish. Whether you’re building a family annexe, launching a holiday let, or developing a rural retreat, we’re here to help you bring your vision to life — the right way.

📞 Click here to contact us today to discuss your project or book a site consultation. 🏡 www.glenviewretreats.co.uk