Ban on wild camping on coast to be considered

There has been a rise in complaints about wild camping and barbecues, the council said

Wild camping and barbecues could be banned near Whitby Abbey and in other areas of the Yorkshire coast after the council said there had been a dramatic rise in complaints.

There were 78 tents or temporary shelters found in unauthorised camping areas in August 2024 and it cost more than £30,000 to clean up the mess left behind, according to North Yorkshire Council.

The council plans to introduce a public space protection order banning wild camping and the lighting of fires in nine areas including Scarborough's Peasholm Park, South Cliff and Marine Drive.

The incidents had "a negative impact on the quality of life" for residents and visitors, a council report said.

Wild camping and the lighting of fires or barbecues had become "a real concern" in areas of Whitby and Scarborough in recent years, the report said.

It has led to littering including abandoned tents, clothes, food and sleeping bags, as well as damage to seats and benches.

The council said there was "no justification" to wild camp in these areas as there was a wide range of organised and licensed campsites.

Wild camping would be banned in nine areas, including near Whitby Abbey

"Over recent years unauthorised camping in parks and green spaces in these tourist hotspots, and the lighting of fires or barbecues has become a real concern," the report said.

"Complaints have increased dramatically to the council and its partners, the police and fire and rescue service, evidencing the detrimental effect on the quality of life of those living or legitimately visiting or holidaying in the area."

Under the proposals, orders banning wild camping and the lighting of fires would be introduced in the areas around Scarborough's Royal Albert Park, Castle Dyke, South Cliff, Italian Gardens and Holbeck, Scalby Beck, Marvels and Open Air Theatre, Peasholm Park and Museum Terrace, Crescent and Valley Park.

They would also be introduced in the area around Whitby Abbey and Pannett Park in Whitby.

The council report said officers would support anyone who was camping because they were homeless "through existing procedures working with housing options and the rough sleeping teams".

Councillors will discuss plans to launch a consultation on the ban.

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