Servicing calls at CLs for Motorcaravans

Biggarmac replied on 18/01/2021 17:08

Biggarmac

Posted on 18/01/2021 17:08

In 2020 when lockdown was lifted in July there was a surge of members desperate to get out in their units. Sites were swamped and in some areas it was impossible to find a site. Many motorcaravanners who had not previously gone off grid (I refuse to use the term wildcamp) found they had no choice. I was lucky to get three nights on a CL at Blairgowrie during a 10 night tour. and one night on a commercial campsite in the Great Glen. On other nights I stayed in Pub carparks where I was able to enjoy a meal, in forestry carparks, on coastal carparks and on friends drives.

The big problem was disposing of wastes and filling with water. Friends with drives were very helpful, but the problem of lack of the type facilities such as there is on the continent was very evident.

On the continent many campsites allow non residents on to service their units, for a fee. It could be an additional revenue stream for CL owners to allow passing trade to use their service points. This would be particularly useful for CLs who are full to supplement their income and to reduce the problems which were seem in many popular tourist hotspots last year. The owners would need to look at what extra costs they would have for this service and what services they would be able to provide. For instance how much does 100 litres of water cost on a metered supply? How much each toilet emptying would add to the cost of sewerage? How much for emptying a greywater supply of say 80 litres? For comparison the CCC, on some sites, allow members to use site facilities, empty wastes and fill water for £7.30 (last years price). That also allows for the use of showers.

This would stop the complaint that one night stopovers to dump and fill are blocking longer bookings. A drop in facility could be a bonus for both CL owners and Motorcaravanners.

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321 replies

replied on 20/01/2021 14:08

Posted on 20/01/2021 12:34 by brue

I suppose much depends on the size of the site and space available at the entrance and it's approaches. The same might be considered for the CL owners which the OP is suggesting so it's a limited proposal not a universal one for any type of site?

Posted on 20/01/2021 14:08

Presumably would require a planning permission?

Biggarmac replied on 20/01/2021 15:52

Member

Biggarmac

Motorhomer

Posted on 20/01/2021 10:58 by peedee

Aire costs remains to be seen. Curently Bourton on the Water charges £8 for overnight parkiing and Liverpool Marina £30. Both have dedicated motorhome spaces and while extreme, at £30, the Liverpool one does get used because of its location.

I think Canterbury Aire charges £10.50 for 24 hours (£7 for overnight and £3.50 per day) It includes services (no EHU) and the park and ride fare, They are planning another Aire.

There is currently a pretty wide spectrum of costs and I don't expect that to change, it will be interesting to see how Scotland plans to charge for its Aires currently in the pipeline. Last year some were free.

peedee

Posted on 20/01/2021 15:52

Lochore Meadows in Fife charge £10 per day on a aire with waste disposal. £2.50 extra for EHU. Many harbour etc ask for a donation, for instance the beach parking at Findhorn is £10 for a Motorcaravan. The going rate appears to be between £5 and £10 for 24 hours. The higher rate is if there is waste disposal. It depends where the aire is. The more popular the higher the cost. Hawick motorhome welcome is free as the local traders have found out how much the people who use the facility spend in the town. They have applies for planning permission for a waste disposal facility.

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Biggarmac replied on 20/01/2021 15:57

Member

Biggarmac

Motorhomer

Posted on 20/01/2021 14:08 by

Presumably would require a planning permission?

Posted on 20/01/2021 15:57

If they are using a facility that is already in use it would be unlikely that planning permission would be required. Most CLs would not be able to offer the facility, but some may be able to do so.

When lockdown ends there will not be enough regular site pitches to go round. That is not just on CMC sites but all types of sites. Lets hope that last years chaos does not happen again.

Tinwheeler replied on 20/01/2021 16:15

Tinwheeler

Campervanner

Posted on 20/01/2021 15:57 by Biggarmac

If they are using a facility that is already in use it would be unlikely that planning permission would be required. Most CLs would not be able to offer the facility, but some may be able to do so.

When lockdown ends there will not be enough regular site pitches to go round. That is not just on CMC sites but all types of sites. Lets hope that last years chaos does not happen again.

Posted on 20/01/2021 16:15

I'd not be so sure about planning permission. The sites are exempted by certification from CAMC (or whoever) from needing PP for the purposes of operating 5 van sites. The admission of other vehicles to use a facility seems not to be within the remit of the exemption and I think it likely that PP will be needed. Local Authorities need to consider increases to traffic flow, construction of HS, building of new facility points etc.

It's something you need to establish if you want to convince CL owners, BM.

NB. The foregoing is another example of realism, not negativity.

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Takethedogalong replied on 20/01/2021 16:16

Member

Takethedogalong

Posted on 20/01/2021 14:06 by

Did they ever catch-on?

Posted on 20/01/2021 16:16

No idea ET. Just recall seeing something about them. Many folks who go a few days without using a Site carry a spare pot. It’s not for us, we nearly always stay on a site, very occasionally sleep over somewhere legal, in transit.

replied on 20/01/2021 16:32

Posted on 20/01/2021 15:57 by Biggarmac

If they are using a facility that is already in use it would be unlikely that planning permission would be required. Most CLs would not be able to offer the facility, but some may be able to do so.

When lockdown ends there will not be enough regular site pitches to go round. That is not just on CMC sites but all types of sites. Lets hope that last years chaos does not happen again.

Posted on 20/01/2021 16:32

If they are using a facility that is already in use it would be unlikely that planning permission would be required.

I suspect that it would be required based on past experience with a Highway Authority and with planning applications.

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brue replied on 20/01/2021 19:58

Member

brue

Motorhomer

Posted on 20/01/2021 16:15 by Tinwheeler

I'd not be so sure about planning permission. The sites are exempted by certification from CAMC (or whoever) from needing PP for the purposes of operating 5 van sites. The admission of other vehicles to use a facility seems not to be within the remit of the exemption and I think it likely that PP will be needed. Local Authorities need to consider increases to traffic flow, construction of HS, building of new facility points etc.

It's something you need to establish if you want to convince CL owners, BM.

NB. The foregoing is another example of realism, not negativity.

Posted on 20/01/2021 19:58

Public liability insurance would need to be considered too.

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Wherenext replied on 20/01/2021 20:30

Member

Wherenext

Campervanner

Posted on 20/01/2021 20:30

Just a thought.

There are hundreds of non EHU sites where fees are relatively small in comparison to those that offer extra facilities.

Why can't those people wanting to fill and dump just book and pay for a nights stay? There's no need to stay either as long as you've paid in advance. If the C.L. knows you are going to do this he/she may even be able to relet the pitch once you've been and gone.

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