Farmers and landowners across much of Wales can now operate temporary campsites for up to 60 days a year without full planning permission, opening up new opportunities for rural businesses to diversify into tourism.
New Welsh Government permitted development rights came into force on 1 September, increasing the general annual allowance for temporary tent campsites from 28 to 60 days.
The change potentially gives farms, estates and other rural businesses significantly greater scope to generate additional income from visitors during peak tourism periods and around major events.
However, the expanded allowance comes alongside a new notification process, meaning operators can no longer simply open a temporary site under permitted development rights without first contacting their local planning authority.
Anyone intending to operate a temporary campsite must now provide information about the proposed site so the authority can determine whether Prior Approval is required.
Operators will need to submit a site layout plan alongside details of pitches and amenities, toilet and wastewater facilities, waste storage and disposal, highway access and the proposed dates of operation.
Planning authorities will then be able to consider issues including wastewater, refuse disposal and vehicle access.
The changes are intended to balance greater flexibility for the visitor economy with safeguards for neighbouring communities, infrastructure and the environment.
The 60-day allowance will not apply everywhere.
Temporary campsites within National Parks, National Landscapes and World Heritage Sites will remain limited to 28 days per calendar year.
For counties such as Powys, where tourism and agriculture are important parts of the rural economy, the changes could provide an additional diversification opportunity for farms and other businesses with suitable land.
Powys County Council's Cabinet Member for Legal and Regulatory Services, Councillor Richard Church, said:
“These changes introduced by the Welsh Government provide new opportunities for landowners, farmers and rural businesses to support our thriving visitor economy.
“At the same time, the new notification and prior approval process will help ensure temporary campsites are operated responsibly, with proper consideration given to environmental protection, highway safety and the interests of local communities.”
The move also potentially gives temporary operators greater flexibility to test demand before considering investment in a permanent tourism business requiring full planning consent.
Extending the permitted period from four weeks to almost nine weeks could allow sites to operate across a greater proportion of the summer season or target several particularly busy periods during the year.
But Powys County Council is reminding prospective operators that the new rights do not remove planning requirements altogether.
Landowners considering opening a site will first need to notify the council and provide the required information before beginning operations.
The changes form part of a wider effort to support tourism activity while introducing greater oversight of temporary camping sites and their impact on local areas.
Further information
The Welsh Government's guidance on the new permitted development rights for temporary campsites is available on its website: https://www.gov.wales/planning-permission-permitted-development-rights-temporary-campsites
