Northumberland County Council has received a notification from the owners of Pitch On the Wall Campsite regarding plans to reopen the site this summer. The notification, submitted on January 6, confirms the campsite’s intention to operate for 57 days during the summer months, in compliance with planning and development regulations.
The site, located in Heddon-on-the-Wall, is scheduled to operate from the start of May through the end of August, primarily over weekends. This follows the Town and Country Planning (Amendment) Order 2023, which permits the use of land as a recreational campsite for up to 60 days per year, provided certain requirements are met.
Under these regulations, temporary campsites must provide moveable toilet facilities and proper waste disposal, and they are limited to a maximum of 50 pitches. According to the planning documents submitted by the campsite, Pitch On the Wall will provide these facilities, along with access to drinking water and up to 20 pitches measuring 10m by 10m.
The campsite is described in planning documents as a “family-friendly, back-to-basics site in rural Northumberland” that allows campfires and BBQs. The site is also located near an alpaca farm and offers visitors a base for exploring Hadrian’s Wall.
The campsite is situated north-west of Rudchester Roundabout and has been operational for several years, according to the Hexham Courant.
The temporary 60-day allowance for campsites was introduced by the government in 2023 in response to what officials described as “the renewed demand for domestic holidaymaking.”
The policy aims to support local tourism by increasing accommodation options and encouraging longer stays in towns and villages across England, particularly following the shift toward domestic holidays during the COVID-19 pandemic.
For professionals in the outdoor hospitality industry, the Pitch On the Wall case illustrates how temporary campsite regulations can be leveraged to expand seasonal operations, while maintaining compliance with planning rules and enhancing local tourism offerings.
Operators considering similar short-term expansions may benefit from understanding the specific requirements for temporary facilities and the planning approval process.