Many people don’t realise, if you’re planning to use our units commercially, they require either full planning permission or a planning exemption certificate.
Greendown Owners Club is our solution to this. It’s our new service where we exempt your land allowing you to operate up to five Greendown units without the need for full planning permission
Planning permission has always been one of the biggest blockers for people wanting to launch Greendown units commercially. The process is often slow, inconsistent, and outside of your (and our) control — leaving customers frustrated and stuck waiting for answers that can take months.
Previously, this was handled externally, meaning we had limited control over the process. This often resulted in lengthy delays for customers which we had no control over.
Through working with Natural England, we’re able to offer exemption certificates in:
At Greendown, we manage the entire planning exemption process for you from start to finish, giving us complete control over every step.
This service is ideal for landowners, prospective glamping site operators and anyone looking to run Greendown units for commercial use without having to deal with the red tape of full planning applications.
Unlike third-party providers, we handle everything in-house. That means fewer delays, more transparency, and expert guidance at every step.
No - we charge a one-time application fee and an annual renewal fee to certify your site.
That’s it.
No – your free to list your hut on any platform. Such as: Airbnb, farmstays, booking.com, or
your own website. We also promote certified sites on our website.
Only Greendown products are permitted on our certified sites. No other manufacturers
structures (pods, yurts, self builds) are allowed under our certification.
No - the certification permits holiday letting only, not permanent residential occupation.
Decking may be allowed if it falls within permitted development rights in your area.
Greendown Owners Club certification allows up to 5 Greendown builds on certified sites.
Yes – public liability insurance is mandatory under our code of conduct. Proof of cover must
be submitted to our club secretary.
You may use existing services already present on the land. However, installing new
infrastructure (e.g., pipes, cables, foundations) is not permitted under the exemption.
No - As long as you have written permission from the landowner, you may apply for
certification.
Yes, if the site breaches any criteria or receives valid complaints, an investigation may be
opened. Certification may be withdrawn in serious or unresolved cases. Full details are
available in the Club Constitution and Code of Conduct (available upon request).
Certification timelines can vary. While some applications are approved in as little as 2
months, others may take longer depending on site conditions, LPA (Local Planning
Authority) responses, and public feedback.
Yes – we notify your local LPA and any relevant parish council as part of the process. A site
notice will also be posted at the entrance to invite comments from neighbouring properties.
Possibly – but these areas are highly sensitive. Certification in designated areas will
require additional scrutiny, and possibly compliant surveys.
Site certification lasts 12 months and can be renewed annually to remain valid. A valid
certificate permits use throughout the year, subject to compliance with all conditions
and external regulations (e.g. access, safety, seasonal restrictions, etc.)
Yes- site inspections are a key part of the certification process. We may also revisit
periodically for renewals or to investigate complaints.
Objections are rare, but we welcome public feedback. We consider all comments and
may place conditions on the certification to address reasonable concerns.
Use of uncertified sites is not permitted under the exemption. If your certification
lapses, you may need to reapply in full and must pause operations until approval is
reinstated.
We care about your privacy. Find out more.
© Copyright Greendown
Shepherd Huts Limited 2026.
Phone us:
0117 986 9685
UNIT 1C, Lime Kiln Farm,
Keynsham, Bristol,
BS31 2TB
Opening Hours:
8:00AM to 5:00PM.
© Copyright Greendown
Shepherd Huts Limited [sqb-year].