Festival organisers across Pembrokeshire have voiced their concerns over new rules to control temporary campsites.

The Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority approved plans back in December to introduce an Article 4(1) Direction to remove permitted development rights for 28-day camping, caravan and mobile home sites within the National Park.

PCNPA has stated that the decision, marks a significant step in managing the impact of unregulated temporary camping on the National Park’s protected landscapes and ecosystems.

The new measures follow extensive public consultation, which revealed strong support for increased controls. The consultation highlighted concerns about visual impacts on the landscape, risks to biodiversity, and pressures on local infrastructure. Many respondents, particularly local residents, raised issues such as noise, traffic congestion, and other disturbances affecting those living near temporary camping and caravan sites.

Introducing the Article 4 Direction will allow the Authority to require planning permission for temporary 28-day camping, caravan and mobile home sites, ensuring that their location and operation are carefully managed to protect the National Park’s unique environment.

The Article 4 Direction, which will take effect on Wednesday, January 1, 2026, will include a transition period to allow landowners and site operators sufficient time to understand the new requirements and submit planning applications.

Planning applications for these sites will not incur fees, and the Authority will aim to prioritise applications to minimise delays. Existing sites that have planning permission or those sites that operate under an exempted organisation certificate will not be affected.

A six-week public consultation on the Article 4 Direction was launched over the new year by PCNPA, to provide an opportunity for individuals and organisations to share their views on the proposed measures.

In addition, the Authority has said it will engage with exempted organisations to develop a voluntary Code of Conduct, fostering a collaborative approach to safeguarding the National Park.

The Authority stated last year, that at present, there are 7,500 pitches within the boundaries of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, either with planning permission or operating under an exemption certificate. There is also a significant number of what are now popularly termed ‘pop-up’ camping sites, operating under the 28-day rule.

PCNPA statde that concerns have been raised in recent years, due to increasing numbers of operators not adhering to the 28-day permitted development rights, with many temporary campsites operating for a much longer period of time, which can be up to 6 months of the year.

Sara Morris, Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority’s Director of Placemaking, said: “While these forms of development have contributed greatly to the number of camping and caravan pitches in the National Park, it has also given rise to campsites coming into existence without the degree of scrutiny or public consultation given to sites going through the official planning application process.

“As well as putting a strain on the Authority’s ability to fulfil its main statutory purpose of conserving and enhancing the natural beauty, wildlife and heritage of the National Park, the current situation is also undermining our ability to properly plan for the area and pursue a strategy of regenerative tourism.”

In addition to this, PCNPA have stated that informal workshops conducted with statutory undertakers in late 2023 highlighted concerns around potential impacts on water quality and capacity as well as these landscape concerns.

PCNPA’s chief executive Tegryn Jones explained that there was ‘no control’ over temporary campsites and they took up 12% of the Authority's enforcement time.

He 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’.

However, organisers of some popular annual festivals across the county have said that the measures could be ‘damaging’.

The Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority is the only one in Wales to plan tighter restrictions since tougher rules were drawn up for Gower in 1977.

Under current rules, landowners can open temporary campsites in Wales under ‘permitted development’ for up to 28 days a year.

In England it is 60 days, and the Welsh Government is set to consult on extending the period in the rest of Wales soon.

‘Westival’ is a music festival based in Manorbier which attracts around 2,500 visitors every June.

It’s organiser Joe Worley said that he had not received any ‘direct consultation’ on PCNPA’s new ruling, and that the change had come as a ‘big shock’.

“The 2026 event wouldn't be able to go ahead without the campsite,” he remarked.

“If we couldn't get planning permitted on that particular field, that could mean moving to a new site.

“It feels quite damaging to a lot of businesses.”

Big Retreat festival organiser Amber Lort-Phillips said that she fears that her four-day wellbeing event in Lawrenny, which brings an estimated £1m to the local economy, could have to move next year.

“It's essential. We couldn't run without our permitted development, because it's how we run our campsite,” she remarked.

“The impact is we might have to move it. It's our home for the Big Retreat and it's not fair. We are potentially having to look at other sites and move the festival outside of Wales,” she continued, suggesting that there was ‘no real evidence’ for a blanket approach and there was no guarantee temporary campsites would get planning permission.

The Big Retreat (which takes place again from May 23 to 26) features an incredible lineup, including Newton Faulkner, Ruby Wax, ADHD Love, Gok Wan, and many more.

“It’s set to be a fantastic weekend of music, wellness, and inspiration, and we can’t wait to bring everyone together for it,” remarked Amber.