{"id":152,"date":"2025-06-12T13:20:38","date_gmt":"2025-06-12T12:20:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.helpfulholidays.co.uk\/blog\/?p=152"},"modified":"2026-04-01T11:28:10","modified_gmt":"2026-04-01T10:28:10","slug":"does-holiday-letting-require-planning-permission","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.helpfulholidays.co.uk\/blog\/does-holiday-letting-require-planning-permission\/","title":{"rendered":"Planning Permission for Holiday Lets"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"color: #2eb16b;\"><strong>Are you thinking of making the most of the surge in the UK staycation market by letting your house as a holiday home, adding an annex or converting an unused barn into self-catering accommodation? If so, you will need to check the rules carefully to determine whether your local authority requires you to have planning permission for holiday lets.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p>Here we explore what planning permission is, look at some of the most popular types of conversions, and help you understand whether your project needs planning permission in the first place.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2>Planning permission for holiday lets<\/h2>\n<p>Read on for all you need to know about planning permission for holiday lets or use the quick links below to find out about a specific topic:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"#what\">What is planning permission and why is it important?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#need\">Do I need planning permission for a holiday let?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#new\">New holiday let planning permission rules<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#conversions\">Types of holiday let conversions<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#permitted\">Permitted Development Rights and What Are They?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#planning\">Planning permission in conservation areas<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#apply\">Where can I apply for planning permission for a holiday let?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#long\">How long does a planning permission last?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#cost\">How much does it cost for holiday let planning permission UK?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#important\">Important elements to consider when letting your holiday property<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<h2><a name=\"what\"><\/a>What is planning permission and why is it important?<\/h2>\n<p>Planning permission is the approval often required from your local authority.\u00a0It\u2019s needed to allow you to carry out specific types of development or changes to a property. This includes building something new, adding an extension, knocking down a building, or making a change to the overall use of the building.<\/p>\n<p>The planning process is to ensure that there is a controlled and sustainable development with the UK. As well as ensuring strong protections are in place to conserve and enhance the natural and historic environment.<\/p>\n<p>The planning process is important as it ensures all work carried out is consistent with local planning policies and regulations.\u00a0 As well as ensuring strong protections are in place to conserve and enhance the natural and historic environment.<\/p>\n<p>Decisions on whether to grant planning permission are made in line with national guidance (in the form of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/government\/publications\/national-planning-policy-framework--2\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">National Planning Policy Framework<\/a>).<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2><a name=\"need\"><\/a>Do I need planning permission for a holiday let?<\/h2>\n<p><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-3120\" src=\"https:\/\/www.helpfulholidays.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/04\/Planning-permission-for-holiday-lets-image-1c.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"427\" \/><\/p>\n<h3><a name=\"existing\"><\/a>Planning permission for existing holiday lets<\/h3>\n<p>If you already have a property or become the owner of one that is used as a holiday let and don\u2019t intend to make any physical changes, then <strong>it does not need planning permission<\/strong>. This is because there is no \u2018change of use\u2019 to the building.<\/p>\n<h3><a name=\"changeofuse\"><\/a>Planning permission to change a residential property into a holiday let<\/h3>\n<p>If you\u2019re letting your home to guests for the first time, converting an existing structure, or building a property on unused land, <strong>you will need to check the following<\/strong>:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>What the <strong>planning class and use of the building<\/strong> is classified as<\/li>\n<li>Whether there are any <strong>letting clauses<\/strong> associated with the land and building<\/li>\n<li>Whether your <strong>mortgage lender has any letting restrictions<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>You should contact the planning department for advice if you are considering starting a new business or converting or extending your property. To find whether a project will need planning permission, check with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/find-local-council\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">your local planning authority (LPA)<\/a> or access the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.planningportal.co.uk\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Planning Portal<\/a> here.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2><a name=\"new\"><\/a>New holiday let planning permission rules<\/h2>\n<p>In 2024, the UK Government proposed a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/government\/consultations\/introduction-of-a-use-class-for-short-term-lets-and-associated-permitted-development-rights\/introduction-of-a-use-class-for-short-term-lets-and-associated-permitted-development-rights\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">new planning \u2018use class\u2019 for short-term lets<\/a>, called class C5. The aim was to help local councils manage short-term rental growth and reduce pressure on housing in popular tourist areas.<\/p>\n<p>While the previous government supported the plan, it has not yet been enacted. The current Labour administration is reviewing the proposals, and no legislation has been passed at the time of writing.<\/p>\n<p>Under the proposals, homes let for temporary stays (e.g. holidays, leisure, business) that are not a main residence, would fall under Class C5, regardless of how often they are let. Properties which are used as a main residence would be allowed to let for up to 90 nights annually without moving to class C5.<\/p>\n<h3>Will the new holiday let planning class require planning permission?<\/h3>\n<p>Under the proposed rules, <strong>existing holiday lets<\/strong> would automatically be reclassified as C5 without the need for planning permission. Other properties could move between classes C3 (which includes most main residences) and C5 <strong>without planning permission<\/strong>, unless a local <strong>Article 4 direction<\/strong> is in place.<\/p>\n<p>Local Councils wishing to impose an Article 4 direction and restrict short-term lets must demonstrate clear local impacts, keep restrictions geographically limited, and provide up to 12 months\u2019 notice.<\/p>\n<p>If you&#8217;re thinking of letting or purchasing a holiday home, it\u2019s worth checking whether an Article 4 direction may soon apply in your area.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2><a name=\"conversions\"><\/a>Types of holiday let conversions<\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-3119\" src=\"https:\/\/www.helpfulholidays.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/04\/Planning-permission-for-holiday-lets-image-1a.jpg\" alt=\"Shepherds Hut Holiday Let\" width=\"640\" height=\"400\" \/><\/p>\n<p>There are many property types which can be converted to holiday lets.\u00a0<span lang=\"EN\">Take a look at some of the most popular types of conversions below:<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Shepherd&#8217;s Huts, Lodges, Yurts, and Cabins<\/h3>\n<p>Over the past few years, staying in unique and interesting accommodation has become extremely popular. If you have a lot of land, adding a couple of shepherd\u2019s huts or glamping pods are great ways to generate additional income.<\/p>\n<p>More often than not, if you decide to build or convert log cabins, shepherds\u2019 huts or glamping pods into holiday accommodation these will require planning permission. However, if a structure is only temporary, such as a yurt or tipi, planning permission isn\u2019t always required if certain rules are adhered to.<\/p>\n<p>Our blog titled <a href=\"https:\/\/www.helpfulholidays.co.uk\/blog\/is-a-glamping-business-a-good-investment\/\">Is a glamping business a good investment?<\/a> will give you more insight into these popular holiday let accommodations.<\/p>\n<h3>Outbuildings<\/h3>\n<p>Got a dilapidated or unused outbuilding on your property? Turning it into a holiday let can be a brilliant and rewarding experience. Whether it\u2019s a shed or garage, turning into self-catering accommodation is a fantastic way to earn an additional income. If you decide to do this, planning permission will be required as well as a request for a \u2018change of use\u2019.<\/p>\n<h3>Residential Properties<\/h3>\n<p>If you have a second home, turning it into a holiday let is another lucrative way to generate an income. But, there are some unique differences to letting it as a holiday rental instead of a domestic rental.<\/p>\n<p>Depending on the rules and regulations that apply to the dwelling as well as the class it falls under will determine whether you need to apply for planning permission. We always recommend you check with the local planning authorities.<\/p>\n<p>In most cases though, you will require planning permission if the \u2018material change of use\u2019 in a property is from a residential dwelling to a holiday let. You will also want to check any covenants and restrictions that are written on the property\u2019s deeds don\u2019t prohibit it from being used as a holiday let.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2><a name=\"permitted\"><\/a>What are Permitted Development Rights?<\/h2>\n<p>There are instances when converting building projects do not need planning permission. This is known as Permitted Development Rights.<\/p>\n<p>Permitted Development Rights allow certain buildings to be converted from agricultural to residential without having to apply for planning permission.<\/p>\n<p>This automatic grant of planning permission allows certain building works and \u2018changes of use\u2019 to be carried out without a planning permission. It\u2019s a popular choice for farmers or landowners wishing to diversify their land.<\/p>\n<p>Although these rights remove the need for planning permission, a prior approval notice must still be brought to the attention of the relevant local authorities. The notice must include details of any alterations to the outside appearance of the building.<\/p>\n<p>Read our blog about how to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.helpfulholidays.co.uk\/blog\/convert-a-barn-into-a-holiday-cottage\/\">convert a barn into a holiday cottage<\/a> for the particulars on this topic.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2><a name=\"planning\"><\/a>Planning permission in conservation areas<\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-3121\" src=\"https:\/\/www.helpfulholidays.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/04\/Planning-permission-for-holiday-lets-image-1b.jpg\" alt=\"Holiday letting agency devon\" width=\"640\" height=\"427\" \/><\/p>\n<p>When considering planning permission for a holiday let, one thing you will need to bear in mind as a homeowner is whether your property is in a designated area, including:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Conservation areas<\/li>\n<li>National Parks<\/li>\n<li>An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty<\/li>\n<li>A World Heritage Site<\/li>\n<li>Norfolk or Suffolk Broads<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>If so, your permitted development rights might be more restricted. If in doubt, you can <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/check-your-business-protected-area\">find out whether your property is in a protected area of the countryside<\/a> via the gov website.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2><a name=\"apply\"><\/a>How to apply for planning permission for holiday lets?<\/h2>\n<p>The simplest way to make a planning application is online via the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.planningportal.co.uk\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Planning Portal<\/a>. This website presents you with a series of simple questions to establish the type of application you need to make and to which council you must apply.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2><a name=\"long\"><\/a>How long does planning permission last?<\/h2>\n<p>Planning permission lasts for 3 years. If conversion\/works haven\u2019t been carried out within this time frame, you will need to reapply.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2><a name=\"cost\"><\/a>How much does it cost for\u00a0holiday let planning permission UK?<\/h2>\n<p>The cost of submitting a planning application varies throughout the UK. To get the most accurate figures, it\u2019s best to check with your local planning authorities. Below are some examples of current fees:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li>Simple change of use in England: <strong>\u00a396<\/strong><\/li>\n<li>Full application for a new single dwelling or outline planning permission per 0.1 hectare in England: <strong>\u00a3462<\/strong><\/li>\n<li>Householder application in England: <strong>\u00a3206<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Visit the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/guidance\/fees-for-planning-applications\">Government Website for details on fees for planning applications<\/a>.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2><a name=\"important\"><\/a>Important elements to consider when letting your holiday property<\/h2>\n<h3>Holiday let mortgages<\/h3>\n<p>Many mortgage providers may impose restrictions regarding sub-letting. Take a read of our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.helpfulholidays.co.uk\/blog\/holiday-let-mortgage-advice\/\">holiday home mortgage advice<\/a> blog, where we spoke to mortgage expert Chris Towell.<\/p>\n<h3>Holiday let insurance<\/h3>\n<p>You might not realise this but most holiday lets are not covered under standard home insurance. This is because the risks of a holiday rental are seen as greater than a main residence that\u2019s occupied throughout the year.<\/p>\n<p>Double-check your current policy and if holiday rentals are not covered, do a search online for insurers that will cover landlord\u2019s indemnity and health and safety criteria. Here at Helpful Holidays, our holiday lets team can help recommend insurers for your holiday let.<\/p>\n<h3>Council tax and business rates<\/h3>\n<p>Just like any business where you use a property to help generate an income, holiday letting businesses need to pay tax to their local authorities.<\/p>\n<p>However, when it comes to business rates, holiday lets are treated differently depending on how often they are let. Properties which are let more than a certain amount are eligible to pay business rates, while properties that aren&#8217;t let as much need to pay council tax.<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s important to understand which tax you need to pay, and how you could save money on your tax bill. Our blog on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.helpfulholidays.co.uk\/blog\/council-tax-for-holiday-cottages\/\">holiday home Council Tax<\/a> will help provide clarity on which would apply to your situation.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2>Ready to start your holiday letting journey?<\/h2>\n<p>At Helpful Holidays, our team are always happy to help those looking to start a holiday letting business in Devon or Somerset.<\/p>\n<p>Here are a few information guides that can help you on your way.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.helpfulholidays.co.uk\/blog\/buying-a-holiday-home-to-let\/\">Buying a holiday home to let<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.helpfulholidays.co.uk\/blog\/holiday-homes-tax-and-all-things-in-between\/\">Holiday homes tax<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.helpfulholidays.co.uk\/blog\/health-and-safety-regulations-for-holiday-lets\/\">Health and safety regulations for holiday lets<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>For even more useful tips, head over to our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.helpfulholidays.co.uk\/blog\/category\/owner-advice\/\">Owner Advice blog<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Our team of holiday letting experts are on hand to offer advice. We\u2019re happy to help answer any questions you may have on a particular subject.<\/p>\n<p>To find out more about letting with Helpful Holidays, <strong>complete the form below<\/strong>. Our team will be in touch to answer any questions, and you&#8217;ll receive a copy of our <strong>FREE Owner Guide<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<div style=\"margin-top: -25px; margin-bottom: 20px;\"><script type=\"text\/javascript\" src=\"https:\/\/sykescottages.jotform.com\/jsform\/250763125518961\"><\/script><\/div>\n<hr \/>\n<p class=\"x_MsoNormal\"><span class=\"x_ui-provider\"><strong>Please Note:<\/strong> <em>The information contained in this article was accurate at the time of writing, based on our research. Rules, criteria and regulations change all the time, so please contact our prospective new owner team if you\u2019d like to hear how. Nothing in this article constitutes the giving of financial, tax or legal advice to you; please consult your own professional advisor (accountant, lawyer etc). in this regard. If we have referred within the article to a third-party provider of unregulated holiday let mortgages, this is due to the fact that such mortgages aren\u2019t currently regulated by the FCA.<\/em><\/span><em><span class=\"x_ui-provider\">\u00a0<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n<p class=\"x_MsoNormal\"><em><span class=\"x_ui-provider\">As a helpful reminder, your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on a mortgage, so again anything you decide to do in this particular area this is one on which you should take your own professional advice on too, as we aren\u2019t providing and can\u2019t provide you with this.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>As a holiday letting owner you are responsible for compliance with health &amp; safety laws, regulations and guidance, and for having suitable insurances in place (not Sykes Holiday Cottages or its brands (Sykes)). From time to time, Sykes shares information with you on the topic of health and safety and insurance. When it does so, it is not providing you with advice (legal, financial, tax or otherwise); please seek your own as you see fit. In addition, it is not making any representations or warranties about the information being complete or free from errors or inaccuracies. Sykes shall not be liable for any loss or damage arising under or in connection with your reliance on it.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Are you thinking of making the most of the surge in the UK staycation market by letting your house as a holiday home, adding an annex or converting an unused barn into self-catering accommodation? If so, you will need to check the rules carefully to determine whether your local authority requires you to have planning [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":49,"featured_media":3118,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[15],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-152","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-owner-advice","location-south-west-england"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.helpfulholidays.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/152","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.helpfulholidays.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.helpfulholidays.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.helpfulholidays.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/49"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.helpfulholidays.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=152"}],"version-history":[{"count":14,"href":"https:\/\/www.helpfulholidays.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/152\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5531,"href":"https:\/\/www.helpfulholidays.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/152\/revisions\/5531"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.helpfulholidays.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3118"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.helpfulholidays.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=152"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.helpfulholidays.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=152"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.helpfulholidays.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=152"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}