Future of pop-up campsites in Lake District hangs by a thread

A Cumbrian farmer has launched a petition seeking to overturn a ruling by the Lake District National Park Authority (LDNPA), which is trying to prevent farmers from operating temporary campsites during the peak holiday season.

Ruby Cardiff of Newlands Valley Campsite near Keswick says her campsite is crucial to supplement her farming income. Without it her family’s future would be in jeopardy.

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Ms Cardiff has run a pop-up campsite for the past six years. She was able to do so because permitted development rights allow such sites to operate for up to 60 days a year without the need for full planning permission.

“Our campsite forms an important part of our farm diversification, helping us sustain our agricultural business while welcoming visitors to enjoy the Lake District,” she said.

However, in September, the LDNPA voted overwhelmingly for an Article 4 Direction, removing permitted development rights for campsites across the whole national park.

This is still subject to consultation, but if confirmed it will come into force in 2028.

Without permitted development rights, anyone wishing to set up a temporary campsite would have to apply for full planning permission – involving considerable time and expense, with limited chance of success.

Recommendation

Despite farmer opposition, an authority report dated 30 September recommends the withdrawal of permission for temporary campsites, though it first has to publicise its intentions and invite comments.

Even though it indicates that about 40 such campsites have been operating this year offering cheaper accommodation to Lake District visitors, there have also been regular complaints.

“The representations detail residential amenity impacts of noise, anti-social behaviour, fires, litter and loss of privacy due to campsites abutting, even surrounding, homes,” said Andrew Smith, head of development management for the authority in his report.

He also pointed to additional traffic problems and lack of fire safety controls, before recommending the full withdrawal of permitted development rights for pop-up campsites.

Midguided

Ms Cardiff believes this is misguided, pointing to the wider loss of business this would mean for local shops, pubs and other attractions that benefit from increased footfall during the holiday season.

“Another issue is fly-camping, and this will only increase when there are no seasonal, reasonably priced campsites available,” she said.

The move has also been criticised by Dan Yates, founder of booking platform Pitchup.com, who estimates that pop-up campsites generate about £1.6m a year in revenue for the local economy in Cumbria.

“Farming is facing a huge number of challenges and small campsites are one relatively easy way farmers can bolster their income,” he said. “Banning them from being able to do this is borderline criminal.”

He also sees LDNPA’s action as potentially setting a precedent and has urged all farmers and landowners affected by the issue to sign the petition, or make direct representations to the authority by emailing planning@lakedistrict.gov.uk by 16 November.