Network Shrinkage

I do not expect or tend to use hardstandings. I much prefer grass and within reason can level my caravan on most sloping ground.

I have been caravanning for about 40 years and love the freedom of it, although do very much appreciate the facilities that a modern caravan offers.  I hate with a passion the extreme regimentation that crept into the Caravan Club a few years ago, which led to serried ranks of caravans, and wardens that had an attack of the vapours if anyone wanted to pitch across the pitch Continental fashion.

It was that and the rapid increase of club site prices that decided me to adopt a policy of only using CL's and small commercial sites at the expense of using CC Club sites.  I don't think I have exceeded £15 per night ever since and usually £12-14 is the norm.

I think that many new members to caravanning have the erroneous impression that CL's are very basic.  It is true that that was once the case, but today they have stepped up to the plate and modernised themselves.  Most now offer UHU's and many offer individual water taps to each pitch.  Toilets are appearing, and the grassy areas now usually mowed to a high standard.  One CL in Kelgetty Pembrokeshire, even provided, tea Coffee and biscuits on arrival to refresh us from our journey prior to erecting our awning!

At 73 now, my caravanning days are limited, but I still appreciate the freedom that it offers,  I will never return to the regimentation of club sites, or recognise the new walls ice cream CC logo!

TF

Like you Tigerfish. This could be our last  touring year ( Old age catches up)) and whilst the shrinkage in Cls will not unduly affect us I fear the future is bleak. The 5 rule will prove to be the most decisive factor as that number is not finacially viable for anyone considering EHU and H/s which is a basic for most users on a year round basis. There could be a lovely M/H for sale later this year, much as I regret having to take that decision.

Our sentiments exactly.

On the other hand, I know of a CL that has masses of space and could easily accommodate 20+ units. Because of motorhomes parking up on the seafront awaiting the ferries, according to the CL owner the council has turned a very blind eye if more than 5 units are on the CL. This 'arrangement' obviously seems to suit everyone.

So why doesn’t the CL owner seek planning permission and convert his CL into a full blown commercial site if the demand is there? Instead, he risks losing his current exemption and losing the club it’s right granted by Natural England to issue exemption certificates, as well as the Council being on very shaky ground by exceeding its authority. The right to breach the regs is not within their remit.

Tintwheeler- Its reality not some "should be rule.".Its what happens everywhere.. Bet there would be no problem if he applied. nodded through without a full planning meeting, but if he gets lots anyway why bother.

Indeed, why bother at all if you don’t care that the club could lose its right to issue exemption certificates. After all, none of us ever use CLs so it wouldn’t matter in the least.

I think that one of the reasons that CL owners don't want become small full blown commercial sites as they would loose the free advertising to a huge number of potential visitors, ie CC members, . They would then have to pay for advertisements in web sites such as UKcamping.

I have used a site which until last year was a CL, now they have become a small commercial site with a max of 10 units, they advertise for free on facebook by setting up their own page and by all accounts are full on weekends even at this time of year, summer months full for most of the time.

 Would you like to share SELL, always interested in new places to try.