A CAMPSITE in Kirkby Stephen plans to open for longer each year in a bid to 'promote our local area and economy to the maximum'.

Eden Escapes have informed Westmorland and Furness Council they intend to operate a 32- tent pitch campsite on Winton Field for 60 days a year and allow campervans and motorhomes on the site following a change in government rules.

In 2023 the government introduced new planning rules which allows the temporary use of land as a recreational campsite for up to 60 days per calendar year without full planning permission.

Eden Escapes is a pop-up campsite based within a working farm, just outside of Kirkby Stephen. The site has three portable toilets, running cold mains water as well as waste and recycling provision.

Planning documents state: “This diversification is a necessary income to our business and brings vital revenue to the surrounding areas.

"As Eden Escapes is now in its fourth year of business, we feel it reflects as a successful addition to the local area and this extension of days will allow us to promote our local area and economy to the maximum.”