A council’s planning department, known as the local planning authority (LPA), is the local government body responsible for managing and overseeing the planning system in a specific area.

You can use the search tool on Planning Portal to find the contact details for any local planning authority in England and Wales.

Find your local planning authority.

Adding a personal or commercial glamping pod will often require planning permission due to the size and permanence of the structure.

For personal use, whether you require planning permission depends on the size of the structure. If it’s placed in your garden, then it may be classed as an outbuilding and fall under permitted development rights. This only applies if it is not treated as a new living space which many glamping pods will be. Full details on outbuildings are available on our common project pages.

For commercial use, planning permission will be needed for the addition, where relevant this will also cover the change of use. An application should include any utilities connections or access roads that will be added alongside the pod.

Due to the complex nature of installing a glamping pod, we’d recommend talking to your local planning authority or our Planning Guidance Service.

If you're doing electrical installation work in your home or garden in England or Wales, you must follow the building regulations. It's recommended to hire an installer who is registered with a competent person scheme (a registered competent person’) who can self-certify that the work meets the required standards.

Inefficient windows and doors can significantly contribute to heat loss. Replacing single glazed windows by installing double glazing can cut heat loss through windows considerably. Double glazing works by trapping air between two panes of glass creating an insulating barrier that reduces heat loss, noise and condensation.  

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If you can't replace all the windows, why not choose the rooms that cost you the most to heat? Other options to reduce heat loss through windows include sealing gaps or using thermal blinds.

You don’t usually need planning permission for repairs, maintenance and minor improvements or replacing windows and doors that are of a similar appearance.

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Building regulations apply to replacement glazing, in terms of thermal performance, air supply, ventilation, safety and means of escape.

Read about planning and building rules for doors and windows

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There are different planning fees for England and Wales, and many different application types depending on the work being carried out.

You can use the Planning Portal's fee calculator to work out fees for different kinds of proposal.

Use the fee calculator (England)

Use the fee calculator (Wales)

While every effort has been taken to ensure that the fee has been calculated correctly, the determination of whether a planning fee is correct is the responsibility of the relevant local planning authority, who will check the fee is correct when the application is submitted and validated.