Temporary recreational ("pop-up") campsites can provide additional visitor accommodation while supporting rural businesses and helping to meet seasonal demand for camping within Dartmoor National Park.

As Dartmoor is a protected landscape, it is important that temporary campsites are carefully located and managed to minimise their impact on the National Park's special qualities, wildlife, heritage and local communities.

What is a temporary recreational campsite?

A temporary recreational campsite is a campsite that operates for a limited period during the year, typically on land that is not normally used for camping.

Under Class BC of Part 4, Schedule 2 of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015 (as amended), land may be used as a temporary recreational campsite for:

• up to 60 days in any calendar year;
• a maximum of 50 pitches at any one time; and
• tents, campervans and motorhomes (but not caravans).

The permitted development right only applies where all of the conditions and limitations of Class BC are met.

Any toilets, waste disposal facilities or other structures must be temporary and removed once the campsite has ceased operating.

Choosing a Suitable Location

The location of a temporary campsite is one of the most important considerations.

Suitable sites should:

• have safe access for vehicles and emergency services;
• be relatively level and well drained;
• provide adequate space for vehicles without damaging the landscape;
• avoid unacceptable impacts on neighbouring properties through noise, lighting or activity; and
• protect the landscape, wildlife and historic environment of Dartmoor National Park.

Particular care should be taken where sites are within or close to:

• Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs);
• Special Areas of Conservation (SACs);
• Scheduled Monuments;
• Listed Buildings;
• Conservation Areas;
• Public Rights of Way; or
• other sensitive habitats or heritage assets.

Historic environment information can be viewed using the Heritage Gateway, while designated nature conservation sites can be found using Natural England's Designated Sites Search.

If you are a tenant, you should ensure your tenancy agreement permits camping.

You should also check that any environmental land management agreements or stewardship schemes affecting your land do not restrict temporary camping.

Facilities

You are responsible for providing suitable temporary facilities for campsite users. These should include:

• portable toilets;
• handwashing facilities;
• a suitable supply of drinking water;
• refuse and recycling facilities;
• arrangements for the collection and disposal of waste;
• safe access and parking; and
• emergency vehicle access.

If ground conditions are likely to become soft, temporary ground protection may be required at entrances and access routes.

Managing Your Campsite

Before opening your campsite, you should:

• undertake a site-specific risk assessment;
• ensure suitable public liability insurance is in place;
• provide campers with clear information about site rules and emergency procedures;
• have appropriate fire safety measures in place;
• minimise disturbance to wildlife and neighbouring properties;
• ensure waste is removed regularly; and
• restore the land to its previous condition once the campsite closes.

Notification to Dartmoor National Park Authority

Before the campsite is first used each calendar year, you must notify Dartmoor National Park Authority in writing.

The notification must include:

• a site location plan;
• the proposed dates on which the campsite will operate; and
• details of the toilet and waste disposal facilities to be provided.

The Authority will provide a copy of your notification to Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, where required by the legislation.

Please complete the Notification of Class BC Temporary Recreational Campsite form and return it to:

planning@dartmoor.gov.uk

Prior Approval for Flood Risk

If your proposed campsite is located within Flood Zone 2 or Flood Zone 3, Prior Approval must be obtained from Dartmoor National Park Authority before the campsite is used each calendar year.

Your application must include:

• a site-specific Flood Risk Assessment;
• details of flood warning and evacuation arrangements; and
• the relevant application fee.

Dartmoor National Park Authority is required to consult the Environment Agency before determining the application.

The campsite must not commence until Prior Approval has been granted, or the statutory determination period has expired without a decision.

You can check whether your site lies within Flood Zone 2 or Flood Zone 3 using the Environment Agency's Flood Map for Planning.

Talking to Your Neighbours

Although there is no statutory consultation requirement for temporary recreational campsites under Class BC, applicants are encouraged to discuss their proposals with neighbouring landowners, parish councils and local communities before the campsite opens.

Early engagement can often help identify and resolve potential issues before the site becomes operational.

Campervans, Motorhomes and Caravans

Class BC permits the use of:

• tents;
• campervans; and
• motorhomes.

It does not permit caravans.

Separate legislation applies to caravan sites. If you wish to operate a small caravan or motorhome site, you may wish to investigate becoming a certificated location through an exempted organisation such as the Caravan and Motorhome Club or the Motor Caravanners' Club.