Camping linked to permitted temporary events such as weddings and festivals will not require separate planning permission under the new Article 4 (1) Direction, Pembrokeshire Coast National Park has confirmed.

The Park Authority has clarified key details regarding the proposed Article 4 (1) Direction, which aims to manage the impact of unregulated 28-day camping, caravan, and mobile home sites within the National Park.

Approved in December 2024, the Direction will require planning permission for temporary 28-day camping, caravan, and mobile home sites from 1 January 2026. This measure follows public consultation, which demonstrated strong support for increased controls to protect the National Park’s landscapes, biodiversity, and local communities.

The new statement, now available on the Authority’s website, confirms that the proposed restrictions will apply only to 28-day camping, caravan, and mobile home sites. Other temporary 28-day uses – including filming, temporary car parks, and mobile saunas – will not be affected. Additionally, exempted certificate sites and bodies operating under exemption certificates will continue to operate as usual.

The statement also clarifies that camping and caravan use connected to other permitted temporary events, such as weddings, festivals, filming, or agricultural shows, will not require additional planning permission. In assessing whether camping is ancillary to an event, the Authority will consider factors such as licensing, advertising, site usage proportions, and event duration.

To assist landowners and site operators, the Authority will offer a free pre-application service for those seeking to submit planning applications under the Article 4 (1) Direction. The clarification note also provides guidance on the information required for planning applications.

Members of the National Park Authority will formally decide whether to confirm the Article 4 (1) Direction at their meeting on May 7, 2025, alongside a full report on the consultation findings.

Further details, including the published clarification statement, can be found at www.pembrokeshirecoast.wales/article-41-direction-consultation-page.