New Forest District Council: Jess Glover is pleased to have recently secured permission under Regulation 75 and 77 of the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations for the use of the land as (tented) camping site for up to 28 days (under Class B permitted development) and up to a further 28 days within the period 01 January 2021 to 31 December 2021 (under Class BA permitted development) at Jubilee Camping in Damerham.
It is usually possible to operate a “pop-up” campsite for up to 28 days under permitted development rights. But where permitted development is deemed likely to have a detrimental impact on a designated European-level wildlife site, it cannot proceed without first getting permission from the LPA under Regulation 75 and 77 of the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017.
Recent evidence has shown that residential development in the River Avon catchment has led to to rising levels of phosphates in the River Avon which causes an excessive growth of plants and algae, which reduces the oxygen content of water. This can affect the impact aquatic insects or fish and protected species. As such, any residential and other development providing overnight accommodation needs to mitigate its effects to become nutrient-neutral.
Therefore, we were required to prove that the use of the campsite operating under permitted development for 28 days of the year would be nutrient-neutral by demonstrating that all waste would be transported to the Bournemouth Waste Treatment Works which is outside of the Avon catchment area. We were required to draft a legal agreement, signed by the applicants, to ensure that this waste disposal method would be adhered to and also agree a yearly mitigation fee in respect of recreational impacts on the New Forest protected habitat areas.
The client was delighted to have achieved a positive outcome and is excited to continue operating their campsite for 28 days of the year during this summer season. This is one of the first approvals of this type for a campsite in the NFDC, so we are delighted to have secured this for our client.
If you own or are looking to start up a “pop-up” campsite in an area affected by phosphate levels in the River Avon, or which has been deemed to have a detrimental impact on another protected habitat site, then why not call Pure Town Planning on 01202 585524 or email info@puretownplanning.co.uk to find out if we might be able to help you.