If the car boot sale is held within a building you would have to apply to the Local Planning Authority for planning permission. With respect of one off car boot sales such as many schools and church’s hold for charitable purposes, providing they are properly organised for instance using stewards for the direction of vehicles, liaising with neighbours and the police and no complaints are made to the Council it would not be necessary to submit a planning application.

If the car boot sale was held in an open area not within a building for example in a field in the open countryside, under permitted development rights you can hold 14 such sales a year without the need to make a planning application. However, every site is unique so it would be advisable to check with the Local Planning Authority prior to holding a sale. Once again using stewards for the direction of vehicles and liaising with any neighbours and the police is advisable.

It is not difficult to organise your own car boot sale however you do have to complete the relevant research :-

1st Find a popular location located to a busy shopping centre then you will find a lot of people will visit, make sure that the area you choose is easily accessible for both motorists and pedestrians.

2nd Check with the Police and Local Authorities about permits, insurance and safety factors as you will need to ensure that you have enough stewards to direct traffic and to collect fees from traders.

3rd You do not have to be a charity, community organisation to organise a Car boot Sale.