news.today
Hello · Register today | LoginHello · My Account[—] [34]
UK

Lake District pop-up campsite petition passes 2,500 signatures

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 8 Nov, 17:07 · Archive

A petition against Lake District planning changes for pop-up campsites has passed 2,500 signatures.

A petition against potential planning changes for temporary campsites in the Lake District has gathered over 2,500 signatures. Ruby Cardiff, of Newlands Valley Campsite near Keswick, launched the online petition following the Lake District National Park Authority's September vote of 15-1 to approve a consultation on an Article 4 Direction.

The current rules have allowed farmers and landowners to run campsites for up to 60 days per year without requiring planning permission for the past eight decades. The proposed changes would require anyone wanting to set up a campsite to apply for full planning permission instead.

Supporters of the petition argue that pop-up campsites provide valuable benefits. One backer stated that such campsites have 'given my children space to enjoy being outdoors and in and around nature with minimal risk factors', with supporters travelling three to four-hour journeys to access them. Another noted that such campsites 'offer struggling farmers an extra income'.

Campaigners have raised concerns about the potential consequences of removing temporary campsites. One petitioner warned: 'If affordable, legitimate campsites disappear, more people will choose to wild camp instead. Without appropriate facilities, this will lead to increased litter, human waste, damage to vegetation and sensitive habitats, and greater pressure on already fragile areas of the Lake District.'

Those signing the petition have also highlighted the importance of pop-up locations as the 'only option' for last-minute getaways. Campaigners claim the new rules could cost farmers and landowners hundreds of thousands of pounds in lost tourism revenue.

Lake District pop-up campsite petition passes 2,500 signatures
Image: NW Evening Mail

Comments (0)

How it is being reported

In this story: Lake District National Park Authority · Ruby Cardiff · Newlands Valley Campsite · Lake District · Keswick

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem · Corrections log