Pop-Up Campsites on private land: South Hams District Council explains what is and isn’t allowed

2021 is the year of the staycation, with record numbers of visitors predicted to head to the South Hams over the coming months. With some local people expected to open up their land as pop-up camping sites, South Hams District Council has advice on what is and isn’t allowed.

A pop-up campsite is when a field or private land is temporarily used for a small number of tents. The Government has passed legislation to allow temporary, pop-up campsites to open for up to 56 days this year. That’s an increase on the usual 28 days. Pop-up campsites do not require planning permission but there are rules you have to take into consideration.

If you are thinking of opening up a pop-up campsite on your land, here’s what you need to know:

• You can only accept tents.
• You can only place temporary facilities on your land.
• Please try and cut the grass as short as you possibly can.
• Everything must be removed after 56 days.
• You'll need to provide portable toilets, a hand washing station and a supply of water.
• If you have a private water supply that has not been certified for commercial use you should provide potable bottled water for your visitors. If you intend temporarily extending a mains water supply you will need to check this is acceptable with South West Water This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
• You may need to put down some mats in gateways if the weather is wet, and remove them after the camp site closes.
• You will need to consider how the rubbish from the site will be disposed of and arrange for this to be taken away by a licensed waste carrier.
• You need to risk assess your site which must bear relation to any relevant COVID restrictions. You will need to consider the risks on your land and how you can help campers to stay safe. Think about any information that you can provide for them via email or on a temporary notice board.
• You will need to manage behaviour of visitors to avoid unreasonable disturbance through loud music etc.
• You must display a COVID test and trace QR code which you can download from GOV.UK.
• It is your responsibility to keep yourself up-to-date with the very latest COVID guidance for the hospitality industry
• Insurance can usually be provided by the insurer who insures your land for public liability. There is usually an additional charge for this.

Cllr Jonathan Hawkins, South Hams District Council Lead Member for Environmental Health said: “Last year saw an increase visitors sleeping under the stars in the South Hams in pop-up campsites. We’re expecting the same again this year, and hope it will again help to give our local businesses a much needed boost as we welcome more tourists to eat, drink, stay and shop in our area.

"However, it’s also important that anyone planning a pop-up campsite follows the rules, to help keep everyone safe and ensure no nuisance is caused.”

To find out more, please go to: www.southhams.gov.uk/popup-campsite