Pop up campsite consultation launched

Pop up campsite consultation launched

A recent blog on pop up campsites written by our planning officer Leanne Parr generated lots of interest and discussion. The majority of pop up campsites are operating without issue, however there are ones which are causing problems.

Over the past few years, we have been contacted by members of the public regarding pop up campsites operating in their area across Cumbria. Concerns range from noise and disturbance (there is no requirement for staff to be on site), impacts on waterbodies and other habitats, highways impacts (where there is poor access) and landscape impacts (particularly where there are several campsites in close proximity). As a result, we set up the online reporting tool as a place where residents can share their concerns.

We’ve been using the evidence collected to press the Lake District National Park Authority (LDNPA) to consider introducing an Article 4 Direction. This would require camp site operators to submit a planning application where all issues (positive and negative) can be considered.

The benefit of this is that conditions can then be attached to any permission granted. For example, a condition could say that communal areas such as toilet blocks should be located x metres from nearby homes or that signage should be erected to help protect habitats.

Consulation launched

We were pleased to note that in October’s Authority Committee meeting the Lake District National Park Authority (LDNPA) agreed to progress an Article 4 Direction. They are undergoing a public consultation where people can say whether they were in support or not. You can read more about this issue on the LDNPA website where there’s an invitation to make your views known.

We certainly don’t want to see a ban on pop up campsites as we recognise the benefits they can bring, we just want a process to be put in place where any negative impacts can be addressed. This is the case in other parts of the country such as the New Forest National Park and parts of Cornwall.