An intense boost for camping diversification

Scheme will help farmers ‘test out’ viability

FARMERS looking to diversify into campsites could benefit from a plan to permanently extend Permitted Development Rights (PDR) for pitching tents in England.

The government has launched a consultation process to consider whether PDR – a process whereby farmers can operate temporary unlimited-pitch campsites without planning permission – could be extended from its current limit of 28 days a year to 60.

Not only would this make the seasonal diversification more worth farmers’ while – it would also help them to gauge the market potential and decide whether to invest in a full-time site as a permanent diversification and alternative source of income to secure their future.

At Rural Asset Finance, we can help fund such diversifications and Dan Yates, founder of Europe’s largest outdoor accommodation provider Pitchup.com, described the consultation as “great news”. He added: “Extending PDR had a huge benefit for farmers, landowners, and other rural businesses such as pubs.

“Now, during the cost of living crisis and at a time when farmers are reeling over the winding-down of Basic Payments, unprecedented input costs and a labour crisis, extending PDR permanently could provide a lifeline for them.”

But campsites are not the only diversification that could be boosted by extended PDR rights. The government’s consultation, which proposes changes to the Town And Country Planning Act 2015, also covers installation of solar equipment, various aspects of local authority development and the temporary use of land or buildings for film-making – all of which we can help you fund.

Responses to the consultation, headed by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing And Communities should be submitted here by April 25.