Plans to restrict Pembrokeshire pop-up camps alarm farmers

Plans by the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority to impose stricter planning regulations for campsites next year have sparked frustration among landowners and farmers, who say the move could threaten their livelihoods.

The authority has launched a six-week public consultation, ending on 21 February 2025, to gather views on proposed changes.

These changes would require temporary camping, caravan, and mobile home sites operating for up to 28 days to obtain planning permission.

See also: Welsh farmers shun pop-up campsites as planning laws differ

Opponents of the plan are particularly upset by the authority’s decision to withdraw permission for pop-up campsites under an Article 4 Direction of Town and Country Planning rules.

This regulation would restrict certain activities in the national park to preserve its unique environment.

They argue that this measure could force them to reconsider their operations or even leave the park altogether, as many rely on seasonal camping sites to supplement their income.

Loss of income

David Williams, who runs Clifftops Camping at Druidston in the national park, explained that the loss of income from the campsite would have a devastating impact on his financial stability.

He currently rents most of his land to a neighbour for grazing but relies on the summer campsite to provide essential additional income.

“To take away the campsite income would be devastating. I would have to reconsider my whole life,” he said.

Dan Yates, founder of Pitchup.com, also expressed strong opposition, calling the proposed regulations a “kick in the teeth” for landowners struggling to make a living in the national park.

Mr Yates pointed out that as farming becomes increasingly difficult, landowners are being encouraged to diversify into activities like camping, making these new restrictions a significant blow.

“Moves like this undermine confidence, take away choice, and leave those struggling to make ends meet angry, frustrated, and further alienated,” he said.

Under the new rules, only existing sites with planning permission or those operating under an exempted organisation certificate will be unaffected by the Article 4 Direction.

Transition period

However, there is a transition period for landowners and site operators to adjust before the regulations take effect on 1 January 2026.

The authority has emphasised that there will be no application fees for planning requests, and it aims to prioritise these applications to minimise delays.

In response, the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority explained that similar controls are already in place in other national parks, such as the New Forest in England and Gower.

A spokesperson said that the introduction of the Article 4 Direction is necessary to protect the park’s landscapes and ecosystems, following a public consultation that revealed concerns over visual impacts, biodiversity risks, and strain on local infrastructure.

Have your say on the consultation on the Pembrokeshire Coast website.