New rules aimed at increasing the operational period for pop-up campsites in Wales have encountered significant backlash from the camping industry. The regulations, aligning Wales with England, will allow temporary campsites to open for up to 60 days starting June 1, a change from the previous 28-day limit.
Industry Concerns Over New Regulations
The adjustment followed complaints from businesses that felt disadvantaged compared to their English counterparts. However, the specifics of the new rules have drawn criticism, particularly regarding how different areas and sectors will be affected and the application process involved.
From June 1, campsite owners must apply to their local council to determine if planning permission is needed for a 60-day site. This application may incur a fee. If prior approval is required, authorities will assess facilities and traffic impact.
Caroline Roberts, owner of Pantybarcud, a pop-up camping ground in Carmarthenshire, expressed her frustration to North Wales Live, calling the situation "crazy." Her site, which has six pitches, previously operated for 28 days each summer. She has now been denied permission to open for the full season after a £450 application and fears the new rules could force her to shut down. "If I have to apply under Permitted Development and they say I need full planning permission, there's every possibility it will be refused like before," she explained.
Starting September 1, all pop-up sites, regardless of duration, will require initial applications. Site owners may need to cover costs from planning consent applications, though prior approval carries no fee.
Exemptions and Restrictions
Significant parts of the Welsh countryside, including World Heritage Sites and national parks, will not benefit from the 60-day rule and will remain under the 28-day limit. Sites near listed buildings, scheduled monuments, and certain flood zones are also excluded. Some owners are disheartened, with one anonymous source stating they saw little point in applying for the extended period.
Dan Yates, founder of Pitchup.com, criticized the new rules for increasing the number of applications required, calling the move "backward." He warned it would "kill" businesses like temporary motorhome sites. "Extending Permitted Development was meant to make things better. As it stands, it's going to kill small, seasonal temporary camping and motorhome sites," he said. Yates noted that last year, planning decisions took an average of 111 days, and the new two-stage approval process could prolong this further. He also highlighted that pubs could be affected, as the regulations prohibit temporary sites within 100 meters of another building.
The Welsh Government explained that the two-stage process allows local planning authorities to screen out sites early where waste water disposal and access are unlikely to be problematic, with the second stage enabling more detailed consideration of issues.
