Pop-up campsites cause Covid fears
UNREGULATED camp sites in farmers’ fields risk damaging the Westcountry’s tourist industry and spreading coronavirus this summer, some tourist bosses fear.
A relaxation of planning laws in England and Wales allows tented campsites to operate without planning permission for up to 56 days, doubling the previous limit.
Farmers and landowners have been advised they could cash in on the demand for staycations this summer, as many tourists decide against a potentially risky foreign trip and opt to holiday at home.
With bookings already ‘off the scale’ in parts of the Westcountry, capacity could be a problem, encouraging some landowners to grab the opportunity to set up a campsite.
But Malcolm Bell, chief executive of Visit Cornwall said: “Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should.”
He went on: “Some of the pop-up camp sites could fall foul of hygiene rules and licencing, or might not be Covid-safe.
“There is also a question of your relationship with your neighbours you have to live along side for the rest of the year, so it might be good to be on their good side.”
Cornwall Council said pop-up sites spring up every year, but insisted this year all will have to operate in a Covid-safe manner and warned that action could be taken against anyone who breaches the rules.
Patrick Langmaid, owner of the Mother Ivey’s Bay Holiday Park, near Padstow, said he will treat 2021 as he did 2020, and will close off one pitch to tenting to reduce pressure on staff and to ensure Covid-safety.
THERE are fears that Cornwall could be over-run by tourists staying at unregulated pop-up campsites which could damage the county’s image in the long term and put extra pressure on infrastructure and health services.
Many tourism operators, backed by Visit Cornwall, are anxious about ‘over-tourism’ causing more harm to the Duchy than good, if farms can suddenly throw their gates open to hundreds of camping visitors.
The concern comes as established and responsible operators such as hotels and restaurants, pubs or holiday parks, will be under pressure after undergoing stringent Covid risk assessments and putting social distancing measures in place.
On the other hand, unregulated operators may fall foul of heath and safety rules, or be a nuisance to local residents or have a detrimental impact on the environment.
Malcolm Bell, chief executive of Visit Cornwall, said: “Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should. Our concern is that, while from July all the rules are off for people, it will only be a return to the new normal for tourism businesses. They will still have to follow the rules and operate responsibly.
“Some of the pop-up camp sites could fall foul of hygiene rules and licencing or might not be Covidsafe,” he added.
“There is also a question of your relationship with your neighbours you have to live along side for the rest of the year so it might be good to be on their good side.”
Mr Bell said Visit Cornwall is working with Cornwall Council so there is a clear policy on pop-up campsites and tourist accommodation this summer. That could mean cracking down on unregulated popup sites, with heavy fines possible.
It comes as other parts of the country, such as the Lake District National Park, have announced being in favour of pop-up tourist sites, despite an angry backlash from local tourism operators.
Cornwall Council said pop-up sites spring up every year but insisted that this year all of them will have to operate in a Covid-safe manner, and warned that actions could be taken against anyone who breaches the rules.
“There is very little upside to low cost unregulated pop-up sites and over-tourism,” Mr Bell said. “Is that the image Cornwall wants to give? It could have a detrimental effect in the long run if we go down that route. People need to speak to Public Health, to the communities where they live, and get it right.
“Over-tourism is already putting extra pressures on our NHS and local infrastructure. 2021 shouldn’t be a free for all.”
Patrick Langmaid, owner of Mother Ivey’s Bay holiday park, near Padstow, said he will treat 2021 just as he did 2020 and will close off one pitch to tenting to reduce pressure on his staff and to ensure facilities are not just clean but Covid-safe.
He said that, with Easter written off, he has already refunded £120,000 to customers who had booked to stay during what should have been the start of the tourist season. He added: “Back to normal by July, as announced by the Government, doesn’t mean pre-Covid normal for businesses. Responsible business owners will reopen with a Covid risk assessment in place and that may mean reduced capacity. It will create demand and I fear that unregulated pop-up sites who see this as an opportunity to just make a quick buck will have a detrimental effect on tourism.”