MoonLight Shepherd huts
Planning Permission for Shepherd Huts
Whether you’re placing a shepherd hut in your garden or launching a glamping site, understanding planning permission is essential. Our premium Shepherd huts are often treated as temporary or mobile structures, but whether you need planning permission in the UK depends on where you put the hut and how you intend to use it.
Do I Need Planning Permission?
When permission is not usually required.
In many cases, a shepherd hut does not require planning permission on its own. Because these huts are on wheels and designed to be moveable, they are often considered temporary structures, especially when used for personal or incidental garden use.
Common situations where planning permission is not typically required:
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The hut is for personal use (e.g. spare room, home office) in your garden.
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The hut remains moveable and is not fixed to land with permanent foundations.
When planning permission is likely required. Even though the hut may itself be temporary, planning permission may be needed if:
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You intend to rent out or let the hut (e.g. Airbnb, glamping).
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You’re using the hut as a permanent dwelling or commercial structure.
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The land is not residential garden (e.g. agricultural field) and would involve a change of use.
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The site is in a protected area (e.g. conservation area, AONB).
In these cases, you usually need to apply to your local planning authority before installing or using the hut.
Permitted Development & Exemption Options
Permitted Development Rights
Some properties have permitted development rights, which allow structures like shepherd huts to be placed in gardens without full planning applications — provided:
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The hut is for incidental use connected to the house.
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It doesn’t exceed certain height or size limits.
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It’s not in front of the main house or within protected land.
Even under permitted development, always check local council rules because interpretations can vary.
Planning Exemption Certificates
In some areas and for small glamping sites, there are planning exemption certificates available, which allow up to a set number of huts/pods without a full planning application.
This process can vary by location and organisation, so you’ll need to check specific requirements and eligibility. We may be able to help you achieve certification in wales as we are the founders of www.beegreencamping.co.uk and can authorise upto 5 shepherd huts with out the need for planning permission.
Steps to Check Your Own Planning Requirements
Here’s a straightforward checklist for planning clarity:
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Check your property’s permitted development rights with your local council.
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Contact your local planning authority early — they can tell you if planning permission will be needed before you spend money on a site.
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If you plan to rent or use commercially, seek professional advice or apply for planning permission.
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Keep documentation of your planning status — this is often needed if you later sell or insure your property.
Note: Planning law is local — always confirm with your specific authority before installing or using your shepherd hut.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need planning permission if I use the hut as a guest room in my garden?
Usually not, as long as it’s incidental to your home.
What if I want to lease the hut on Airbnb?
You will likely need planning permission or a change of use.
Can I place a shepherd hut on agricultural land?
In most cases, planning permission is required to place an off grid shepherd hut on agricultural land, especially if:
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It will be used for accommodation
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It involves a change of land use
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It will remain in place long-term
Temporary or seasonal use may be treated differently, but this varies by council.
Can Moonlight Huts help with planning advice?
Yes. While we are not planning consultants, we have experience working with customers across the UK and can offer practical guidance based on how shepherd huts are commonly treated by councils. We always recommend confirming details with your local planning authority.
Find Your Perfect spot in nature
"We purchased 2 huts from MoonLight and have been non stop busy with bookings, so much so we're looking at getting another one"
“The team at BeeGreen camping club and MoonLight have been amazing from suppling our pods, to sorting out the exemption certificates, our site is now up and running.”
“I highly recommend moonlight Shepherd Huts. Their huts are beautifully designed and offer all the comforts of home.”