Changes to campsite rules back on cards

A CHANGE in the rules around temporary campsites in Wales is back on the table under Welsh Government proposals.

- By OWEN HUGHES Business Correspondent [e-mail]

During the Covid pandemic, the number of days permitted for a pop-up campsite before planning was needed was increased from 28 to 56 days in Wales.

This ended in the country in 2022, reverting to the previous 28 days.

But in England, the government permanently extended it from 28 days per year to 60 days.

Welsh Government consulted on this back in 2021, but then failed to make any decision.

Landowners, camping groups and farmers have appealed for the same rules as in England to help boost the tourism economy.

This week, the government launched a new consultation, although with it running until July 1, it almost certainly won't come in this year's camping season.

Not everyone is in favour of the move and there were complaints during the pandemic that some pop-up sites were impacting rural communities due to the extra traffic and noise.

There were instances of antisocial behaviour in the very late hours near some residential settings, including uncontrolled drinking and loud music, and poor campsite discipline.

There were also concerns over the lack of facilities at some sites.

Currently any site that wants to go beyond the 28 days needs to apply for planning.

Under the new proposals, the Permitted Development Rights for temporary campsites would be extended to 60 days in any calendar year.

But there would be some additional rules introduced to try to ensure minimal negative impact on residents and wider communities.

For some, it could possibly impact their ability to have a pop-up site at all.

Firstly, they propose a buffer zone around any sites.