Council confirmed it granted Groundswell Gloucester development consent to open the camp, which will cater for up to 200 people at any one time.

Development approval for the camp was granted by council at its September meeting, subject to certain conditions. 

“These have now been complied with and the site was opened to campers yesterday (Tuesday),” a Groundswell spokesman said.

A reception point will be located at the entrance to the camp and records kept of all arrivals and departures. 

On-site activities will also be controlled, in order to avoid any possible disturbance to nearby residents.

Basic requirements such as drinking water and toilets are available on-site, but campers will depend on local cafés and grocery stores for their food supplies according to Groundswell.

A camp supervisory committee has also been established. 

“One of our first priorities was to appoint a number of responsible people to provide round-the-clock security,” landowner Ed Robinson said.

“They will have full authority to eject any person not complying with camp rules.

“In the event of any perceived threat from outside, they will immediately inform the local police.”