Considering re-opening a old CL

PeetC replied on 09/07/2020 18:03

Posted on 09/07/2020 18:03

Sorry, long post...

We purchased a property almost two years ago that had a CL - (in Naunton, near Upton Upon Severn, see "Another Sad Loss" in the discussion forums from 2018). At the time of purchase, the Mortgage company wouldn't allow us to continue to take on and operate a CL.

I'm seriously considering reopening the site, getting all of the relevant permissions and certifications. I've never been a caravaner. nor have ever run a site like this before.

The Electrical Hook Ups are all still in place, and functional, there are outside taps etc.

Wonder if I could ask a couple of questions of advice:

1. The site has a toilet at the back of the garage, it probably needs a bit of effort to clean, spruce and fix up the roof. If a site DID NOT offer a toilet, is this a deal breaker? (I'm not sure if it's part of the conditions...)

2. Apart from water and electrics, what else do I need to offer? I'd put bins/recycling out, but what about water/waste from caravan bathrooms etc? I'm not sure what was done before.

3. I can't guarantee that the site hedges/grounds etc will be quite as well maintained as when the previous owners looked after it. Previous owners had one of them maintaining the site 24/7 whereas wife and I both work. Would a few weeds and overgrown hedges be a deal breaker?

4. How "hands on" would you want an "owner" to be? We'd be there for check-in/check-outs etc, but pretty much leave you alone unless you wanted questions etc. Would you want more interaction?

5. I'm currently storing a couple of "fixer upper" caravans for a friend. Would it put you off the site if you arrived to find a couple of old broken caravans in a corner of the site?

6a. Site was traditionally "adults only". We, as current owners, have children here. Would this be off putting?

6b. If we allowed children into the site, would this put some off? (Noting general lack of children's facilities and family oriented activities nearby)

Any input, thoughts etc to help the decision process would be appreciated.

I would consider offering a couple of free nights to experienced caravaners who would be willing and able to provide constructive feedback and a bit of help whilst on site on the logistics of what they would expect.

Thank you

Pete

eurortraveller replied on 10/07/2020 09:26

Posted on 10/07/2020 09:26

Pete, talk to the previous owners of your property and ask how much income the caravan site generated,  and balance that against the cost of getting it into shape and the on- going expense of operating it. 

EmilysDad replied on 10/07/2020 09:32

Posted on 10/07/2020 09:32

As long as the grass isn't knee deep I'm not too bothered about the grass being cut .... better than the continual racket of a club site tractor.

CLMaddie replied on 10/07/2020 09:55

Posted on 10/07/2020 09:55

Hi PeetC

It's great to learn that you are thinking of reopening the CL site. 

If you have any questions please don't hesitate to get in contact with the CL's team. You can email us at clresponse@camc.com

If you decide to move forward with opening the CL site please could you complete the online application form.

We would ask applicants not to do any works on their land until they receive something in writing from The Caravan and Motorhome Club to say that we were happy to proceed with your site.

Thanks

Maddie

 

Metheven replied on 10/07/2020 10:26

Posted on 10/07/2020 09:26 by eurortraveller

Pete, talk to the previous owners of your property and ask how much income the caravan site generated,  and balance that against the cost of getting it into shape and the on- going expense of operating it. 

Posted on 10/07/2020 10:26

It was approximately £10,000 per annum.

Takethedogalong replied on 10/07/2020 11:30

Posted on 10/07/2020 11:30

Pete, not having someone around in the daytime wouldn’t be an issue for us, we have stayed on places where the owners don’t live on the Site. In this case, the main issue will be security, and if the electrics trip. You will know the area in which you live, and if it might be a problem. But I recall the pitching area is behind the house and drive, so outfits would be on the whole tucked away. 

Longtimecaravanner replied on 10/07/2020 15:29

Posted on 10/07/2020 10:26 by Metheven

It was approximately £10,000 per annum.

Posted on 10/07/2020 15:29

Wow! That is a lot more than I thought CL owners made. It must have had a very high occupancy. I suppose though if that is income it doesn't take into account all the outgoings.

Takethedogalong replied on 10/07/2020 15:53

Posted on 10/07/2020 15:53

A 5 pitch CL, open 365 days, at £15 per night has potential for £27,375. However that’s never going to happen. It would be lucky at half that. And then there’s the outgoings...... 

Wherenext replied on 10/07/2020 17:32

Posted on 10/07/2020 17:32

One of things the Peet needs to consider is his own family's holidays. Who will look after the site if he has a holiday abroad, for example? Has he got someone close by he can rely on to handle problems and bookings etc? Otherwise he is going to be tied down. Maybe he's happy doing that but try to consider the downsides as well.

nelliethehooker replied on 10/07/2020 19:57

Posted on 10/07/2020 17:32 by Wherenext

One of things the Peet needs to consider is his own family's holidays. Who will look after the site if he has a holiday abroad, for example? Has he got someone close by he can rely on to handle problems and bookings etc? Otherwise he is going to be tied down. Maybe he's happy doing that but try to consider the downsides as well.

Posted on 10/07/2020 19:57

Perhaps the friend who Pete is storing the caravans for would be willing to "site sit" if Pete and his family chose to go away on holiday. 

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