100 tents could pop-up near Portland Bill this summer
Dorset Council's agreed to two summer campsites
Two pop-up campsites close to Portland Bill have been agreed – potentially bringing a hundred tents to the area during the peak summer months.
The two sites are off Watery Lane and south west of Longstone Ope quarries off the Portland Bill Road.
Both will be allowed to operate for up to 60 days between July and September, with the consecutive use limited to a maximum of 42 days, and both limited to a maximum of 50 pitches each.
At least one previous application in the area was refused last year because of the claim that it would be ‘damaging’ to local habitats, including The Fleet, although the site, which was already in use when the application was refused by Dorset Council, was allowed to stay because the decision came close to the end of the season and the temporary site had been little used.
Both of the sites will be operating under what is known as ‘permitted development’ rules which allows for temporary camp sites, in certain circumstances, for up to 60 days – but each site will have to pay a mitigation fee under Habitat Regulations to offset any impact on the special nature areas close by, including the Chesil and Fleet Area of Special Scientific Interest and the Isle of Portland to Studland Cliff protected area.
In the case of the campsite near the Longstone Ope Quarry the operator will have to install secure fencing to protect a Special Area of Conservation in an adjoining field.
Both sites plan to have waste collected and toilets emptied by a local company; to set up a recycling area, and to have fresh drinking water provided for the campers. Both are planning July to September use, with most of the visitors expected at weekends.