A POP-UP campsite, already operating near Portland Bill, has been refused permission – but is still likely to stay open until the end of the season.

It has been claimed that the visitors it attracts could have ‘significant’ effects on the important habitat of the Chesil Beach area, almost five kilometres away.

The Hallets Portland Bill site is on grazing land overlooking an old quarry and the sea. It opened in mid-July and in recent days was being used by a small number of tents and camper vans.

Dorset Council say the refusal decision is not likely to result in action to close the site this year because it is nearing the end of the season.

It says if the use is to be requested for next year it would expect an application to be lodged in plenty of time with an appropriate legal agreement.

Site operator Mr Andrew Hallett, from Weston Street, Portland had asked Dorset Council for permission for the site from July 14 to September 3 with only basic facilities. These include portable toilets, water and the dispose of general waste and recycling. The site offers no other facilities although boasts a magnificent scenic location within sight of the Portland Bill lighthouse.

Dorset Council has decided that the application falls foul of the Habitats Regulations which has seen other, similar, camping proposals rejected elsewhere in Dorset.

In a ruling on the Portland Bill application the council concluded “Discounting any mitigation, the application will have a likely significant effect on the Chesil and the Fleet European wildlife site (including Ramsar sites).”

A report says that the use of the site and the visitors it will attract will add to the “recreational pressure” on the area, including the Chesil and Fleet European-designated site.

“Natural England have advised that development which results in an increase in population within 5km of the Chesil Beach and the Fleet European site may contribute to an unacceptable increase in recreational pressures on the features of the designated area,” said the Council in a report.

It suggests that a “mitigation payment” of £670 might have been proposed for this season had the Portland Bill pop up met the criteria for a permitted development temporary leisure site.

The council say that both the 28-day and 60-day rules for temporary sites without full planning permission do not apply because of the assessment carried out under habitat regulations.

Mr Hallett has been told that he can appeal the decision within six months and if enforcement action is taken to close the site can also appeal against that.

Dorset Council has already asked for the removal of the caravan near the entrance, used as a reception area, which the council say is not allowed under the rules for 28-day or 60-day temporary sites.

Online advertising for Hallets Rural Campsite Portland Bill describes the site as family-run and dog friendly and within walking distance of local attractions.

The family also run a separate site, at Watery Lane, under a similar name, Hallett’s Rural Campsite, which has received many positive reviews on social media from visitors who have stayed there. That site is not affected by the council decision on the Portland Bill site.

Attempts were made to contact Mr Andrew Hallett for comment on the council ruling and the effect it might have on the Portland Bill site.

His father, Jerry, said that his son had been working hard with Dorset Council staff, who had been helpful, in trying to resolve the situation.

He said the venture seemed to have been caught up in the recent changes to Government guidance which everyone was struggling to understand.

Those changes include the ability for pop-up sites in suitable locations for up to 60 days a year without planning permission, more than doubling the previous 28 days for permitted development rights.

Certain locations, but not all, can still be used for up to 28 days a year with an unlimited number of tents (only) without formal planning permission.

The new rules allow land to be used for up to 60 days in any calendar year as a campsite – which includes both tents and campervans, although with this category Dorset Council need to be notified in writing first and, in some circumstances, a site licence may also be needed.

Permitted development rights come from a general planning permission granted by Government. These rights mean that certain types of activities can be carried out without needing to apply for formal planning permission although are subject to limitations and conditions.

Many farmers and landowners started operating pop-up campsites when the government first extended the permitted development rights in 2020 to 56 days a year to help rural communities recover from the Covid pandemic. In 2021 they reverted to 28 days.

Since then some local sites, which were temporary, have applied for permanent permission, with mixed results depending on the location.

It has been calculated that the time extension was worth an extra £25m a year nationally to campsite operators, local pubs, shops, restaurants and other rural businesses.

For more information about the regulations for pop-up campsites in Dorset see -  www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/w/temporary-recreational-campsites-or-pop-up-camping-sites

 

Pics – The pop-up campsite off the approach road to Portland Bill