Ask the Expert: Planning for tourism on my land in Wales - should I act now?
Wales, with its stunning landscapes, historic castles and vibrant culture, is a growing hub for tourism. From the rugged beauty of Snowdonia (Eryri) National Park to the golden beaches of Pembrokeshire, Wales attracts millions of visitors annually, seeking adventure, heritage and relaxation.
The tourism sector contributes significantly to the Welsh economy, fostering opportunities for local businesses and communities.
For entrepreneurs and developers looking to invest in tourism, understanding the planning application process in Wales is essential. Whether you’re planning to open a holiday park, renovate a historic property, or launch an eco-tourism venture, obtaining the necessary permissions is a critical first step.
The process begins with consulting the Local Planning Authority (LPA) to ensure your proposal aligns with regional and national planning policies, including environmental sustainability and benefits to the community.
Setting detailed design layouts and, where necessary, seeking pre-application engagement towards submitting a detailed planning application, often accompanied by environmental and design assessments, are key. Depending on the complexity, decisions are usually made within eight weeks.
The planning system in Wales balances economic development with preserving its natural beauty amongst many other factors. Engaging professionals for advice and guidance early streamlines the process from planning permission to construction, ensuring your tourism venture contributes positively to Wales’ unique charm and its thriving tourism industry.
It’s becoming more challenging to secure the necessary planning permissions for countryside-based tourism developments - cabins, pods etc - with ever-tighter policy wording on where tourism development should be located.
Should you wish to discuss how we can support you add-value to your farmland or forestry, please call or email Halls Planning and Development on 01743 450 700 / planning@hallsgb.com for a free initial appraisal.
by Paul Watson, Halls
