A CAMPSITE owner has blasted a Purbeck District Council consultation he says could force scores of sites out of business, costing local economies thousands in lost revenue.

Andy Kirkwood, of Swanage Bijou Camping, Victoria Avenue, describes the council’s ‘Management Strategy for Camping and Caravanning Sites’ consultation, as “a sledge hammer attempting to crack a nut.”

He says the document, which is under public consultation until May 23, represents an “unreasonable level of interference” by district officials.

The policy document, which is set to be formally adopted following the consultation deadline, covers many issues. But it is the outlining of council powers to remove permitted development rights, that currently allow land to be used for camping and caravanning without planning permission, that’s causing anxiety among site operators, says Mr Kirkwood.

According to the document, if the council can prove “strong justification” the use of campsites is causing harm, it will be able to remove permitted development rights.

Current national guidelines make it unnecessary for campsites operating for under 28 days a year to apply for planning permission.

“So why try and change this?” says Mr Kirkwood. The campsite operator says the consultation represents a “veiled threat” and, if adopted, could affect scores of Purbeck campsites.

“Sites like ours which have camping for 28 days a year brings in tens of thousands of pounds to the local economy,” said Mr Kirkwood. “I’ve spoken to many site operators and we are all worried about this consultation document.

“It states that if the council decides an unlicensed campsite has started in a ‘inappropriate location’ in may serve what is called an article 4 direction to remove permitted development rights.

“But who are they to decide what is an ‘inappropriate location?’ “Purbeck District Council should not be involving themselves in this issue as 28 days of camping, without any permanent changes to the landscape, is a triviality.

“The site returns to its exact condition at the end for the other 337 days.

“What is next then? The need for planning permission to wash your car? Or enforcements against painting lines on a football pitch?”

District council built environment spokesman Cllr Paul Johns said the consultation gives local camp site and caravan operators the opportunity to have their say on the proposals put forward.

He added: “The council wants to hear whether its approach to dealing with camping and caravanning is right or whether it should change any aspect of its approach. We welcome all feedback.”

The consultation document can be viewed at the website dorsetforyou.com/Purbeck_consultation