Pop-up campsite push from Government

The Westminster Government has said it wants local councils to cut red tape and allow more pop-up campsites across England to support the surge in demand for staycations.

Planners are being urged to take a “flexible” approach to the enforcement of regulations.

Last year, new measures were introduced that allowed businesses to set up temporary campsites for up to 56 days without the need to apply for planning permission.

The Government says it wants more businesses to take advantage of the opportunity these changes have presented and said it will encourage local planning authorities to take a ‘flexible and proportionate’ approach to the enforcement of planning controls.

This would include conditions on existing campsites which might limit the temporary extension of commercial campsites over the holiday season.

Communities Secretary, Robert Jenrick, said, “I’m asking councils to support the extension of pop-up campsites for tourists and not let red tape get in the way...

“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.”

Local authorities are also being encouraged to speed up new applications for campsite licences.

The new measures will not prevent local councils taking action where relaxation of the rules have a negative impact on public health, the local area or the environment, such as litter, noise pollution or social distancing.