An application has been submitted to Dorset Council seeking formal recognition for the continued use of fields at Bredy Farm, near Burton Bradstock, as a camping site.
The request, filed by J S Mallinson & Partners, asks the council to validate the site’s longstanding use under planning regulations, asserting that it has been used for tents and campervans since 1948.
The application is supported by evidence from various sources, including Scout troops from North London, Weymouth, and Hampshire, as well as records from family archives.
The business also highlighted its contribution to the local economy, stating that it employs more than 30 staff during peak periods.
In a statement accompanying the application, representatives of the farm emphasized their commitment to sustainable practices, stating that their operations align with the dual use of the land for camping and agriculture.
“While we have been taking on increased numbers in the last few years, we have not expanded our sites beyond what was already there, nor do we intend to,” the statement read in a report by Bridport News.
“Every winter, when the campsites are closed, we return the land back to agricultural use, we harvest the apples for cider making and let the sheep graze.”
Bredy Farm offers camping at its Orchard and Mead sites from April to September, both located along the River Bride and within walking distance of Hive Beach.
The campsites operate as adults-only facilities, catering to individuals and groups, with amenities including showers, composting and flushing toilets, and access to drinking water. The site is also known for hosting live music events and festivals during the summer.
The farm has gained recognition for its eatery, The Parlour, which has been positively reviewed in national publications and described as one of the Jurassic Coast’s hidden gems. Visitors can also purchase locally produced cider and firewood on-site.
Further details about the planning application can be accessed through Dorset Council’s website.
