This page is intended to be a helpful and simple guide and should not be regarded as a full interpretation of the law.
If you have any doubts, please contact us:
Email: dc@pembrokeshirecoast.org.uk
Telephone: 01646 624800
Development Management
Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority
Llanion Park
Pembroke Dock
Pembrokeshire
SA72 6DY
’28 Day Rule’
Overview
- The ’28 Day Rule’ allows a landowner to use land for tented camping only without having to get formal planning permission for 28 days in a calendar year
- Please note that there are restrictions in the use of the land in this way.
Timescale Constraints
- The land cannot be used for more than 28 days in any calendar year
- The 28 days do not have to be consecutive
- We would advise you to record the exact dates when the land is being used
- The 28 days is not per person or family; it is the total number of days you can use the land for the calendar year
- Any day when a temporary structure (e.g. portable toilet) remains on site counts as one of the permitted 28 days.
Land Type Constraints
- The land must not be part of any land associated with an existing building, including house gardens, car parks, agricultural buildings and listed buildings
- Land combined within existing caravan sites cannot be used as a 28 day site.
Permitted on a ’28 Day’ site
- Tents and trailer tents
- Glamping accommodation without solid bases
- Moveable structures on wheels or skids in connection with the use of the site, including portable toilets
- Vehicles used solely for transportation to the site (cars, vans and trailers)
- Land over five acres – up to three caravans can be pitched at a time. The maximum stay for each caravan is two nights
- Land under five acres – only one caravan can be pitched at a time. The maximum stay for any caravan is two nights.
NOT Permitted on a ’28 Day’ site
- Glamping accommodation with solid bases – including but not restricted to: yurts, tipis, pods and bell tents
- Any permanent structures including but not restricted to: agricultural buildings, toilet blocks, shops, laundry rooms
- Mobile holiday homes, Recreational Vehicles (RVs)
- Temporary facilities on wheels or skids that require separate licensing, including but not restricted to: ‘burger vans’
- Any electrical hook-up points and/or substantial utilities services such as stand-alone sinks uncharacteristic of agricultural fields.
Caravan Exemption Certificated Sites
Overview
- A camping or touring caravan exemption certificate allows a recreational organisation to camp or caravan on land without a site licence or the need to apply for planning permission.
Caravan and Motorhome Constraints
- The land can accommodate up to five caravans and/or motorhomes at any one time.
Tent Constraints
- Typically, certificated sites will also include spaces for up to 10 tents depending on space
- A greater number of tents can be allowed if permission is granted by the organisation issuing the certification.
Use Constraints
- The site cannot be used all year round
- A site certificate is renewed annually
- When the certificate expires the use of the land as a caravan site must stop
- All caravans on the site must be removed as soon as possible.
Exempted Organisation Rallies
- Exempted organisations can hold gatherings of their members on sites for up to five days
- Most organisations tell the Authority when and where this is happening at the start of the main season.
Further Information
For further information on camping and caravanning site exemption certificates, visit the Gov.UK website.
