Keeping the Neighbours Happy
Running a glamping business seems like a great idea; working from home for yourself, able to enjoy a sunny afternoon when the weather plays ball and the added social aspect of meeting new people are all attractive things about the industry. Anyone who’s seen Carry On Glamping, the reality series following comedian Johnny Vegas as he makes his ideal glamping site a reality, will know that the journey there is far from easy.
The first series followed the Field of Dreams project from inception to realisation at its first site near Harrogate. It all started with the late night, alcohol inspired purchase of a retro Maltese bus named Patricia and turned into a very ambitious project beset with hurdles, which made great viewing. Series 2 aired earlier this year and covered the conversions and restorations of new glamping options including a boat and a helicopter, with the whole site relocating to Derbyshire.
It was sensible to move to a site with a lake; as we know from Campspot’s research last year, 64% of glampers are looking for a waterfront location, or close proximity to natural water sources. The serenity of bodies of water creates a “calm-cation”, the hot trend for 2024. There were other reasons behind the move, however, with the weather being partly responsible. The high winds and heavy rains on the original exposed site played havoc with the waterproofing of some of the vintage vehicles; water may be calming, but not when it’s coming in from the outside!
The former site was also in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) where the number of accommodation options was limited to five, which restricted any plans for expansion in order to keep the neighbours happy. This aspect of running a glamping business is very important, and if not properly adhered to, it can spell the end of the venture.
One small glampsite owner, Liz Feay, found this out the hard way when she applied for retrospective planning permission for two glamping tents she’d set up in her garden in the New Forest. Dubbed Secret Garden Glamping, the Lymington site was in a semi-residential area backing on to other gardens, and caused noise problems for the neighbours.
Residents whose properties overlooked Secret Garden Glamping were disturbed all summer long by late night music, singing, chatting and adult activities. For families with children this caused no end of problems with them having to close windows on hot summer nights, due to the noises coming from the glampsite. Karaoke, lewd conversations and general noise disturbance were considered to be at harmful levels by planning officers, and the complaints meant that Feay had to close the site and remove the tents.
Similar concerns are also levied at many prospective glampsites, with locals unwilling to put up with a whole summer of partying, as well as the impact on small rural roads from the extra traffic, or the impact on the look of the countryside. For this reason it is a great idea to test the water with the permitted 60 day development rule, that allows would-be glampsite owners to run a trial period to assess the impact that a permanent glampsite might have.
If you’re thinking about starting a glamping business, it’s wise to keep the neighbours happy and not least because their visitors may well become your customers!
