Background
On 1 January 2026, Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority introduced an Article 4(1) Direction removing permitted development rights for the operation of temporary campsites of up to 28 days within the National Park. This followed extensive research and consultation.
Alongside this, in 2025 the Welsh Government ran a consultation on a range of potential changes to permitted development rights across Wales, including rights relating to camping. The original proposal would have extended permitted development rights across Wales from 28 to 60 days in all locations, alongside the introduction of a new Prior Notification procedure.
The Authority, along with a range of other organisations, responded to the consultation. As a result of this feedback, Welsh Government amended its proposals for Permitted Development Rights in National Parks, retaining the existing 28-day restriction in these locations.
What has changed
The Welsh Government has introduced new permitted development rights for temporary recreational campsites that came into effect on 1 June 2026 through The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (Amendment) (Wales) Order 2026.
As this is a new permitted development right, it changes how the Authority’s existing Article 4(1) Direction operates, requiring landowners wishing to operate a temporary campsite to follow the new Prior Notification procedure.
Under the new Class BA:
- Temporary campsites in National Parks, National Landscapes and World Heritage Sites may operate for up to 28 days, provided Prior Notification is served on the Local Planning Authority.
- Elsewhere in Wales, the limit is 60 days, also subject to Prior Notification.
Please note: The new permitted development right allows motorhomes (including campervans and converted vans designed or adapted for human habitation) to be used as part of a temporary campsite operating under Class BA. It does not permit the siting of touring caravans, static caravans or mobile homes. The Authority’s Article 4(1) Direction continues to remove permitted development rights for caravans and mobile homes outside the scope of Class BA. As a result, planning permission will still be required for their siting within the National Park.
The Transitional Period
Across Wales, a transitional period is in effect. Prior Notification will not be required elsewhere in Wales until 1 September 2026, giving landowners time to adjust.
However, within Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, the Authority’s Article 4(1) Direction remains in effect for camping throughout this transitional period. This means landowners here must seek Prior Notification from the Authority now, regardless of these national transitional arrangements.
When is a full planning application not required?
When seeking Prior Notification for 28 days from the Authority, a full planning application will not be required should the following criteria are met:
Your site is not:
(a) on the site of a scheduled monument;
(b) in a special area of conservation;
(c) in a safety hazard area;
(d) in a military explosives storage area;
(e) on a site of special scientific interest;
(f) on a Ramsar site;
(g) on the site of a listed building;
(h) in a special protection area;
(i) within Flood Zones 2 or 3;
(j) within 100 metres of a protected dwelling, other than for use as a private way; or
(k) used for siting any caravan, except one used as a motor vehicle designed or adapted for human habitation.
What else the Authority will consider
When we receive your Prior Notification form, we will also consider:
(i) arrangements for toilet and wastewater facilities;
(ii) arrangements for waste disposal facilities; and
(iii) the proposed means of vehicular access to the site at which the development is to be carried out.
If we have concerns about any of these three matters, we may require prior approval. This means you will need to submit further information so we can determine whether a full planning application is needed. We may grant prior approval unconditionally or subject to conditions reasonably related to the matter in question.
Anyone using this permitted development right must notify the Local Planning Authority.
How to apply
The Prior Notification form is available on the Welsh Government’s website: https://www.gov.wales/determination-whether-prior-approval-required-temporary-recreational-campsite
Completed forms should be submitted to our Development Management Team at: dc@pembrokeshirecoast.org.uk
There is currently no planning fee for this process
Your Prior Notification form must be accompanied by:
- A Site Location Plan, with the camping field or area for camping outlined in RED
- The dates on which the site will be in use
- The siting of pitches and amenities
- Toilet and wastewater facilities
- Waste disposal facilities
- Details of access from the highway
The Authority is required to respond within 28 days of receipt of the Prior Notification.
For more detailed information on these changes please refer to Welsh Government’s Guidance Note: Permitted development rights for temporary campsites
