LANDOWNERS and site operators in the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park are being reminded that an Article 4(1) Direction to remove permitted development rights for 28-day camping, caravan and mobile home sites will come into effect from Thursday, January 1 2026.

From this date, temporary 28-day camping, caravan and mobile home sites within the National Park will need planning permission. The measure, approved earlier this year, is intended to help manage the impact of unregulated temporary camping on the National Park landscape, wildlife and nearby communities.

The Direction applies only to 28-day camping, caravan and mobile home uses. It does not affect other temporary 28-day activities such as filming, temporary car parks or mobile saunas. Exempted organisations and certificate sites will continue to operate as normal.

The Authority believes the initiative will help ensure that exempted sites continue to operate responsibly and in accordance with local and national policies, fostering a collaborative approach to safeguarding the National Park.

PCNPA’s chief executive Tegryn Jones has previously said that many pop-up campsites across the county had led to a ‘stream’ of complaints and that PCNPA were seeking to take a small measure to ‘even the playing field’.

Camping or caravan use linked to other permitted temporary events, such as weddings, festivals, filming or agricultural shows, will also remain exempt from requiring additional planning permission. When deciding whether camping is ancillary to an event, the Authority will consider factors such as licensing, advertising, how the site is being used and the duration of the event.

To support landowners preparing for the 2026 season, planning applications submitted under the Direction will not be subject to fees, and the Authority will prioritise them to minimise delays. A free pre-application service is also available.