Plans for a year-round campsite have been submitted to West Norfolk Council, seeking approval to change the use of a parcel of land along Long Lots, off Smeeth Road, at Marshland St James. The proposal would convert land currently used as a residential garden into a small-scale camping site accommodating touring tents and caravans.
According to the planning application, the site would operate throughout the year and provide a maximum of 15 pitches at any one time. The applicant has proposed restrictions on the types of accommodation permitted, stating that no caravans would be allowed on the site as part of efforts to manage traffic levels and reduce congestion at entry and exit points.
A planning statement submitted by Distinct Designs UK on behalf of the applicant outlines the rationale behind the proposal and references demand within the local market. “It can be demonstrated that there is a considerable demand for campsites such as this proposal in this area, as there are already three campsites in close proximity,” the statement says.
According to Fenland Citizen, the submission also emphasizes the project’s economic and tourism-related intentions, supported by a business plan prepared for the site.
“This proposal is supported by a business plan prepared by our clients detailing how the site will be managed and how it will work with local tourism to support them and encourage people to visit, therefore not only making the campsite profitable but also helping to sustain local tourism businesses and shops etcetera where possible,” the statement continues.
The applicant has positioned the campsite as a modest addition to the area’s existing tourism infrastructure. “It is our client’s wish to help to encourage people to the area, which they believe is what this proposal will achieve,” the statement adds.
It further notes: “The area has plenty to offer tourists and although this proposal is small in comparison to others, it will go a little way towards putting something back into the area without causing any harm in the process.”
The application was validated on Friday and is expected to be opened for public consultation in the coming weeks, allowing residents and stakeholders to submit comments before the council reaches a determination.
For outdoor hospitality business owners, the proposal reflects a broader trend toward smaller, tightly managed campsites designed to operate year-round while limiting infrastructure demands.
The emphasis on traffic management, pitch caps, and local economic integration may offer insight for operators considering similar developments, particularly in rural or semi-rural settings where planning scrutiny can be high.
As councils continue to assess the balance between tourism growth and local impact, applications such as this highlight the importance of clear operational plans, defined capacity limits, and demonstrable community benefit.