NEW rules regulating pop-up campsites in the New Forest National Park are set to come into force later this year.
The Lymington-based National Park Authority (NPA) is determined to limit the damage done to the environment by temporary facilities springing up on farms and other sites.
From September, 28-day campsites with 51 pitches or more - and any 28-day campsites created after March 1 2020 - will need planning permission.
The move follows concern about the growing number of temporary facilities appearing in the forest and their impact on the landscape and sensitive habitats.
An NPA spokesperson said: "The New Forest National Park has seen an increase in pop-up campsites in recent years.
"It now has more than three times the number of camping and touring caravan bed spaces per square kilometre than the average of all other English national parks. There are 12 known temporary campsites, with pitch numbers ranging from 12 to 90."
Under permitted development rights, temporary campsites can currently operate for 28 days a year without official consent.
The figure was extended to 56 days during 2020 and 2021 as part of a campaign to help the hospitality sector survive the pandemic.
READ MORE: New move to tackle problems being caused by pop-up campsites
But the NPA's Article 4 Direction means new campsites - and larger existing ones - must obtain planning permission. The process will enable conditions to be applied to protect communities and the environment.
A six-week public consultation was held towards the end of last year.
The NPA considered comments from a wide range of respondents, including campsite operators and key stakeholders. The majority supported the proposed new rules, including the RSPB and the Verderers.
About 20 per cent of respondents objected to the plans while nine per cent did not express strong views.
Gordon Bailey, chairman of the NPA’s planning committee, said: "The New Forest is already one of the most visited national parks in England and it's vital we protect the very thing people come here to enjoy.
"The new guidelines don’t affect smaller temporary campsites which have been operating for a number of years, only new and larger sites."
A message from the Editor
Thank you for reading this article - we appreciate your support in reading the Daily Echo.
Subscribing to the Echo means you have unrestricted access to the latest news, features and Saints coverage - all with an advertising-light website.
You will also have full access to Saintsplus, your new home for Southampton FC tactical analysis, features and much, much more.
Don't take my word for it - subscribe here to see for yourself.
Follow the latest breaking news in the Southampton area by joining our Facebook group - Southampton News - Breaking News and Incidents
Follow the latest court and crime news on our dedicated Facebook group - Hampshire Court and Crime News
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here