A SIX-MONTH campsite is to be allowed at a Dorset farm – with permission granted by Dorset Council.

The change of use application was approved for a site of just under one hectare at Edwards Farm, Foyle Hill, Shaftesbury.

The owners say the site will be used for tents only. The field had been used as a campsite during 2020 under the Government’s 56 day rule.

A mobile field shelter is on site with washing facilities and a portaloo with the proposal being for the site to be for wild camping with a low numbers of pitches, suggested at a maximum of 15 at any time from April to September.

One neighbour had objected to the application, telling Dorset Council that overall noise level increased throughout the day and late into the evening when the site was last in use, together with additional traffic and frequent congestion at narrow passing areas.

Other complaints listed included increased litter levels, smoke, and dogs constantly barking.

The parish council had supported the application with Dorset Council’s environmental health team suggesting that if camp fires were to be allowed on the site they should be monitored and regulated, if necessary.

The nearest homes to the site are 85 metres to the north east and 150m to the west of the proposed camp site boundaries.