In what could be seen as a victory for backyard camping, Coromandel authorities have scrapped boundary restrictions that would have limited the tradition in the popular Kiwi holiday spot.

Thames-Coromandel District Council staff admitted that the proposed boundary restrictions were overly restrictive and weren't the best means to address what some deemed a nuisance.

Proposed boundary restrictions around camping on private property in the Coromandel have been scrapped, while regulations on water and sanitation have been approved. Photo: File

The proposed bylaw that went out for consultation in October stated tents or temporary living spaces must be least 1.5m away from the boundary of any neighbouring property, six metres from any dwelling on a neighbouring property and at least 3 metres from the front boundary of the property you're camping on.

However, tighter sanitation regulations will apply after the new bylaw was adopted by Thames-Coromandel District Council on Wednesday.

These state there must be at least one toilet for every 12 people, and one hand basin for every 25 people, and will take effect on December 14.

Forty-seven formal submissions were made on the bylaw, including 21 against it. Some voiced concerns council was trying to impose needless red-tape on those who were just out to enjoy a holiday.

'My fundamental concern is that this bylaw is aimed at the lowest common denominator, whilst negatively impacting the majority,” Whangamata bach owner Craig Waugh says in his formal submission.

'I appreciate that intense periods ... place pressure on infrastructure, but imposing this bylaw cuts to the heart of why many of us purchase beach houses.”

Land deemed to be in rural zones will not be affected by the bylaw, following protest from submitters who says they'd hosted friends and family on their properties for years without issues.

Submitter Chris Lox says family and friends camp every summer on his Tuateawa farm property at the top of the peninsula, where the family had its on spring water supply and long drops for effluent.

'We don't need council interfering in a basic freedom especially when there are no problems,” his submission stated.

'The only problem we see is council fear mongering that people's health and the environment is at risk.”

The bylaw is made under the Local Government Act 2002, so anyone who breaches it could face a criminal conviction.

'It's important to protect the ability of people to be able to camp in back yards, but with protections to make sure they do it safely.” Thames-Coromandel District Council spokesman Drew Mehrtens says.

The bylaw does not cover land controlled by Camping Ground Regulations, which includes people charging ‘compulsory donations' to camp on their properties.

The council first adopted a bylaw which provided standards for camping on private land in 1982.

THE BYLAW

• One toilet per 12 people
• One hand basin per 25 people
• One shower or shower-bath or bath per 25 people and laundry facility
• There must be access to clean drinking water. This can include bottled water

- Stuff