FARMERS in the district keen to cash-in on a ‘pop-up campsite’ trend are being warned about the risks.

The number of farms in the region providing temporary campsites has soared this summer, boosted by a change in Government planning policy and soaring demand for ‘staycations’.

Regulations allowing farmers to operate a campsite without planning permission for up to 56 days – double the usual limit – have been extended until the end of this year, in an attempt to bolster farmers’ income and encourage domestic holidays.

But Matt McWhirter – of rural insurance broker Lycetts – warns that whilst the exemptions may offer welcome relief to farmers as they grapple with subsidy withdrawals and the impact of the pandemic, the same relaxation of rules doesn’t apply to insurance.

He said: “It is understandable that farmers and landowners want to take advantage of the opportunity to generate additional revenue, particularly at a time when the industry is feeling the squeeze and demand for camping is high.

“But although requirements are not having to be met from a planning perspective, this is not the case for insurance cover. Insurers may have strict conditions on things such as hygiene facilities, health and safety, and fire risk assessments – plus restrictions on what the policy covers – so farmers could be left with gaps in protection.”