Increase size of CLs?

It's a good thought M but I honestly think if we try to change the existing law the most likely outcome is the whole exemption certificate scheme would be scrapped.

Being free from needing planning permission for a camp site particularly in some of the more sensitive areas such as national parks is such a major concession we mustn't put it at risk.

Not everyone likes caravans and tents in these sensitive areas and the argument that could easily be put forward might be "why should a CL be exempt from planning permission when everybody else is". It's a very powerful argument that I wouldn't like to argue against.

Let's keep off the radar for as long as possible.

Good post, Fysh. 

The more complicated we make things, the more it invites regulation.  I suspect the original logic of exemption for 5 vans was that very small sites caused minimum disruption to others so, from the point of view of bureaucracy, it was simpler to allow the exemption arrangements. Make them bigger and that could very well be lost. 

That sums it up very well TW.

My local planning dept is limiting rallies in the area and looking at the number of pitches that can be used by caravans. They don't want caravans spoiling the nice views when the Film and TV production companies come to make all the programs and films now made in the area.

I don't know if they have even heard of CL's and I would like to keep it that way.

Not everyone likes caravans and tents in these sensitive areas and the argument that could easily be put forward might be "why should a CL be exempt from planning permission when everybody else is". It's a very powerful argument that I wouldn't like to argue against.

Let's keep off the radar for as long as possible.

 

Write your comments here...OK problem solved we will just make them larger for Motorhomes, I am sure BB would agree to this

whoooooooooosh, how did i get in on this, lol

seriously, we love our CLs, along with other no frills sites.

i like and respect the 5 van ethos, its great only having 4 vans for company. we dont generally have an access problem on the small sites

we also like some larger sites, with loads of facilities....but in the right place and at the right time....for us....out of season.

no, keep the CL sites as they are, and dont keep asking owners to ramp up the facs, as this will lead them to wanting to get their investment back.....with higher prices or more vans.

CLs are closing because of the inexorable increase in the number of  motorhomes in proportion to caravans. 

By and large CLs are in the wrong places  for motorhomes, have grass rather than hard standing, and have no dumping facilities which Motorhomers want. As the ratio of motorhomes to caravans continue to increase then CLs will continue to close.

Look overseas where the process of small campsite closure is proceeding even faster. We are just back once again from mainland Europe and the rate of change there as motorhomes take over is an eye opener. Small campsites are dead in the water.

Possibly I am an atypical user but I am sure I used CL's more in the various Motorhomes than when using caravans.

We tended to tour or be out during the day and just find a CL when it was time to park up for the night.

Do take your point about Aires etc near towns overseas though.

Those that are old enough and remember the ‘Caravan Sites and Control of Development Act 1960.’ will point out that the purpose of the act is contained in the three words ‘Control of Development ‘  and that the original proposals were, as I pointed out in a much earlier post, very much more draconian.  The 5 Van exemptions clauses were a long fort & hard won concession. Now if you take into account that this was all some 56 years ago, when anti this or that brigades hardly existed (nuclear disarmament excepted):  I think it is a forgone conclusion that no such exemptions would be granted nowadays. Best just keep a low profile and enjoy what we have, rarther than find that we lose it by our own efforts. Beware as there may be more out there that would gladly seize upon the opportunity to take away your rights than those willing to grant you more.       

conversely, some CLs are much closer to towns because you couldnt get planning for anything larger thats close to town.

weve used close CLs at, for example, Lyme Regis, 15 mins stroll to the town/seafront, or Ludlow.

similarly, the THS sites, which dont require a full planning consent, can be right in the middle of towns, by using sports grounds in the off season....

yes, in winter time, when its wet, we would be a bit more choosy about the grass/HS situation and this may well reduce footfall for a CL, from MHs anyway.

there are certainly a number of reasons why things might be going against a CL....

youve named a couple, add in the rise in prices linked to the addition of more (unnecessary?) facilities and theres certainly part of the answer

 

there are certainly a number of reasons why things might be going against a CL....

youve named a couple, add in the rise in prices linked to the addition of more (unnecessary?) facilities and theres certainly part of the answer

Both comments I heard at a THS in Dorset in June and again at a THS in Sunderland a few days ago.

I do not recall such criticism of CL'S ever before.