POP-UP campsites can now open for up to 60 days a year without planning permission.

The regulations for temporary recreational campsites or ‘pop up’ camping sites have changed after the government more than doubled the permitted development right (PDR) for this business activity from 28 days.

Land can still be used for up to 28 days per calendar year as a campsite with unlimited number of tents only without formal planning permission. This right applies until July 25, 2024.

The new rights also allow land to be used for up to 60 days in any calendar year as a campsite.

This latest change permits up to 50 pitches of either tents or campervans. With this usage Dorset Council needs to be notified in writing first. There may also be the need for a site licence.

Permitted development rights come from a general planning permission granted by Government rather than local councils.

These rights mean that certain types of work can be carried out without needing to apply for formal planning permission.

All the rights are subject to limitations and conditions.

Many farmers and landopwners started operating pop-up campsites when the government first extended the PDR in England and Wales in 2020 to 56 days a year, to help rural communities recover from the Covid pandemic.

Dan Yates, of Pitchup.com, who has been campaigning for a permanent extension since the PDR reverted to 28 days at the end of 2021, calculates that this extension was worth an extra £25m/year to campsite operators, local pubs, shops, restaurants and other rural businesses.

For more information about the regulations for pop-up campsites visit www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/w/temporary-recreational-campsites-or-pop-up-camping-sites