New rules to prevent pop-up campsites across New Forest

Planning rules have been changed in the New Forest to halt the number of growing pop-up campsites.

Sites of 50 pitches or less and operating for 60 days a year will now need planning permission.

It's over concerns about the impact of the camps on the environment.

The changes follow a public consultation in November and December last year, which gathered 128 responses - 92% in favour of a clampdown.

Gordon Bailey, Chair of the New Forest NPA Planning Committee, said:

"The New Forest has the highest proportion of land designated as internationally important for nature conservation in the country. It’s therefore vital we look after the very thing that people come to enjoy.

"With landowners now needing to apply for planning permission in certain circumstances this new Article 4 Direction will help protect our communities and protected habitats."

The National Park Authority has set out new guidance for temporary campsites on their website.

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