Residents near Buckland Ripers Campsite in Dorset have lost their appeal against a proposal to extend the site’s operating season by six weeks, following a tied council vote decided by a casting vote.
Dorset Council’s area planning committee voted 5–5 on the issue before chairman Councillor David Bolwell cast the deciding vote in favor of the application, allowing the campsite to open from May 1 to the end of September instead of the previous schedule of May 15 to August 31.
Several residents told the committee that extending the season would worsen existing problems related to noise and smoke from barbecues.
Sue Bonham-Lovett said that some neighbors had “given up objecting” because they felt their concerns were being ignored.
“It’s a lovely little place, but it’s not when the campsite is open; it changes significantly and is not a quiet rural setting, which is being corroded,” she said.
John Perrott, another resident, noted that the area’s population triples in the summer with six campsites along the same road.
He said that although most visitors were “reasonable people,” there had been police visits and noise curfew violations. “We endure most of it, but we do complain sometimes. Residents are now apathetic because they see they are being ignored… A balance has to be struck,” he said.
Representing the owners, planning agent Mr. Carpendale said the site is in high demand, including from participants of the September Ironman event, and that guests must agree to a code of conduct banning noise between 10 p.m. and 8 a.m.
“This is a well-managed site and contributes to Dorset’s economy,” he told Hello Rayo, noting that environmental officers had not objected and that nearby homes were “a considerable distance from the site.”
Councillors were divided on the matter. Weymouth Councillor Louie O’Leary said that while camping in the area had “become a bit much,” he could not find a planning reason to reject the proposal.
Councillor David Northam supported the extension, saying it would benefit the wider area where longer tourist seasons are increasingly welcomed.
However, Councillor Kate Wheller opposed the move, citing Chickerell Town Council’s objections and concerns about traffic, disturbance, and environmental impact.
Councillor Belinda Bawden expressed concern about “the cumulative impact of all the holiday sites in the area,” while Councillor Tim Bell said he would support the officer’s recommendation to approve without further evidence of issues.
For outdoor hospitality professionals, the decision highlights the ongoing tension between local tourism growth and residential amenity.
The Buckland Ripers case reflects broader industry challenges in balancing extended operating seasons with community relations and environmental stewardship.
As seasonal tourism demand grows, park operators may increasingly need to demonstrate robust management practices, transparent communication with nearby residents, and compliance with local plans to sustain positive local partnerships.