Government consultation on pop-up campsites could help farmers make more money

Under current regulations, farmers and landowners can operate temporary campsites for up to 28 days each year for an unlimited number of tents without applying for planning permission.

This was extended to 56 days in June 2020 to help the rural economy recover from the COVID pandemic and to provide extra capacity for tourists to holiday in the UK as international travel ceased.

The move saw an estimated £25m injected into the UK’s rural economy in 2021, but Permitted Development Rights (PDR) returned to 28 days at the end of that year.

As part of the consultation, the government is proposing to extend PDR to 60 days per year, but limiting temporary campsites to 30 tents to ‘minimise the potential impacts of campsites on local communities’.

The consultation also proposes requiring temporary on-site facilities, including showers, toilets, and waste storage and collection to be provided.

Opinions are being sought until April 23 and the suggestions have been welcomed by the founder of Pitchup.com – Europe’s largest outdoor accommodation provider.

Dan Yates said: “The government said it would consult on this issue last year, and said the consultation would be in time to support pop-up camping for Summer 2023.

"Although they seem to have been procrastinating a bit, and have left little time to complete the consultation in time for this year’s holiday season, the fact it is now underway is great news.

“Extending PDR had a huge benefit for farmers, landowners, and other

rural businesses such as pubs, and provided an escape for many COVID-weary holidaymakers.

“Now, during the cost of living crisis and at a time when farmers are reeling over the winding- down of Basic Payments, unprecedented input costs and a labour crisis, extending PDR permanently could provide a lifeline for them, and a cost effective break for people unable to afford a foreign holiday.”

The government is also reviewing the existing permitted development rights for rooftop solar, as well as considering the best way to make use of public sector rooftops as part of The British energy security strategy.

Potential changes would see solar installed on flat roofs where the highest part of the equipment would be no higher than 0.6 metres above the highest part of the roof and that solar on a wall which fronts a highway would be permitted in conservation areas.

The government is also asking for feedback about existing limitations relating to the installation of solar in conservation areas, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the Broads, National Parks and World Heritage Sites and whether they should be removed.