Brits are expected to flock to the nation’s favourite
holiday hotspots and destinations in the coming
months and the government is keen to ensure red tape
does not get in the way of a great British summer.
Local councils are being urged by Communities
Secretary
MP to support the extension of ‘pop-up’ commercial
authorised campsites this summer so local economies
and holidaymakers can enjoy a staycation.
Last year new measures were introduced which allowed
businesses to set-up temporary ‘pop-up’ campsites
without the need to apply for planning permission.
The measures allow businesses across the tourism and
hospitality sectors to meet the additional demand for
camping holidays.
The government is asking and expecting local councils
to take a flexible approach to the enforcement of
regulations. This will allow ‘pop up’ commercial
campsites and existing campsites to take advantage of
the relaxation of rules over the duration of the
holiday season.
Measures do not prevent local councils taking action
where relaxation of the rule have a negative impact
on public health, the local area or the environment
such as litter, noise pollution or social distancing.
Communities Secretary RT Hon
MP said:
Many of us are planning a staycation this year, and
I’m asking councils to support the extension of
pop-up campsites for tourists and not let red tape
get in the way of a great British summer.
The measures will help holidaymakers make the most
out of the beautiful seaside towns and countryside
this country has to offer. Greater campsite
capacity over the summer months will boost our
tourism and hospitality industries and support the
communities that rely upon visitors in their area.
By taking a positive approach we can ensure that
tourism, hospitality and the people across the
country have a safe and enjoyable summer holiday.
Further information
Last year the government introduced a temporary
permitted development right which allows for the
temporary use of land as a commercial campsite for up
to 56 days, without the need to apply for planning
permission.
The government would like to see more of these
businesses taking advantage of this opportunity over
the summer and will encourage local planning
authorities to take a flexible and proportionate
approach to the enforcement of planning controls,
including restrictions through planning conditions on
existing campsites, which may limit the temporary
extension of commercial campsites for leisure use
over this holiday season.
These regulations do not apply to other forms of
campsites, including those for domestic use. This
does not stop local planning authorities taking
appropriate action where there are significant
adverse impacts on amenity, public health and safety
or the environment.
These provisions do not apply to unauthorised
encampments.
In addition, the provisions do not remove the legal
requirement for campsite licenses. Local authorities
are encouraged to expedite new applications for
licences to provide certainty for applicants.
