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
Visit the Gov.UK website: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/camping-and-caravanning-site-exemption-certificates-know-the-rules-and-how-to-apply.
