Will the Cabinet Minister provide an update on the Welsh Government's plans to change permitted development rights to restrict pop-up campsites?
The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (Amendment) (Wales) Order 2026 came into force on 1 June which amends permitted development rights for temporary recreational camping sites. Such sites can now operate for up to 60 days except in certain designated landscapes, where the limit of 28 days will remain.
While the number of days increase for many sites, there are new limitations on the sites that can be used, such as land in flood zones and those within 100 metres of protected dwellings. The new rules require operators of temporary campsites to provide details of waste disposal arrangements and site access to be notified to the planning authority. Authorities will then have 28 days to decide whether prior approval of any further details is required.
The new arrangements run alongside existing permitted development rights for temporary campsites until 1 September, which will enable site operators who have already planned for the use of sites this season to continue to operate whilst they adapt to the change.
These new rules will expand the camping season for many sites, whilst also ensuring that sites are appropriately planned and operated to avoid adverse impacts on the communities that host them.