Dorset farmers who diversify their land for camping and caravan use are seeing a mix of approvals and refusals for the 2026 season. Many operators applied early this year, following instances last season when late applications limited their options.
At Burton Bradstock, Camping Site, Manor Farm received approval under a Habitats Regulations application for two summer camping programmes. The first will accommodate 90 caravan, motorhome, or trailer-tent units per night from 10 June to 8 July, and the second up to 150 units per night between 5 August and 2 September.
Nearby, Bredy Farm in Burton Bradstock had a certificate of lawfulness for seasonal use refused, reflecting the council’s more restrictive approach to long-standing sites.
While some sites are restricted, temporary openings without planning consent remain possible if conditions are met. Portland’s Halletts Rural Camping received permission for a new toilet and shower block to support small-scale camping operations.
Ringstead Farm will host a temporary campsite across three periods: 22–31 May, 10–19 July, and 23 July–31 August, totaling 60 days. A separate plan to convert a disused dairy barn into a private function venue on the same property was withdrawn after objections.
In Purbeck, the picture is similarly varied. Weston Farm, Worth Matravers, received approval for a small all-year motorhome site with five pitches.
A 20-pitch pop-up campsite near Sandy Hill Lane, Corfe Castle, was refused, as was a Regulation 77 application for four bell tents at 3 Ailwood Farm. A larger seasonal programme at Harmans Cross (Valley Road) for up to 40 pitches across multiple weekends was approved.
Weymouth & Portland council is enforcing permitted development limits for some sites. Shortlake Farm, Osmington, had a bid to regularise use of its land as a campsite refused, though limited temporary use remains allowed.
According to South West Farmer, event-style or short-run camps continue to be approved where ecological and amenity constraints are managed. Coombe Farm, Swanage, will host a 50-pitch programme from 10 June–2 July and 23 July–10 September.
Dewflock Farm, Winterborne Monkton, can operate two temporary campsite windows in May (three nights, 50 tents) and July–August (45 nights, 50 tents) without prior approval.
For operators, these decisions highlight the importance of early planning, awareness of local planning policies, and flexibility in programming seasonal events. Sites that combine smaller-scale, temporary, or event-focused offerings may find approval easier, particularly where environmental or local amenity concerns are addressed.
Business owners can use this information to design camping operations that balance guest demand with regulatory compliance, potentially maximising seasonal revenue while avoiding planning conflicts.