Habitats breach puts paid to campsite plans

A CAMPSITE application has been rejected because of habitat regulations designed to protect the natural environment.

Two months of peak holiday accommodation will now not be possible at the Clayford Camping ground, off Uddens Drive, Colehill because of the ruling.

The site operator had asked for permission for up to 50 tents or campervans on the site for July and August 2024. Dorset Council refused the application deciding the use of the site would breach the Habitats Regulations potentially causing harm to the environment. The application had drawn an objection from ward councillor Robin Cook, who claimed that camping is now causing a problem in the area with additional traffic, litter, noise and pollution from fire pits.

Cllr Cook pointed out that the Clayford camping area is close to a Site of Special Scientific Interest and said the application was contrary to Dorset Council’s policies set out in the Dorset Heathland Planning Framework. The point was taken up to by Natural England who said that no mitigation measures would help because of the proximity of the campsite to the Holt and West Moors Heaths Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), also designated as a Dorset Heaths special area of conservation and Dorset Heathlands protected area as well as being designated a Ramsar site, a wetland of international importance.

The application said the facilities on the campsite would only be temporary with shipping container shower and toilet blocks with hot and cold water for washing up provided under a canopy and adequate provision to deal with rubbish and waste water.