Serviced pitch

They may be using the services - to fill the Aquaroll and empty the Wastemaster  etc. Just not connecting to them. No pushing and pulling round the site to the Service Point.

If the service pitch was all that was a available on the site I needed to go to then we would possibly. Bite the bullet and book it although we w would look to get a standard pitch later rather than pay £4+extra per .night, so would not spend even more on the kit to be connected

Even at sites that have all hardstandings they seem to book up while there are still standard pitches available. Some of it might be the covid effect  with more using their own facilities. However, even in more normal times they were not that easy to get. I don’t think the ability to book HS pitches would alter that to any great extent.

I think it’s up to the individual to use it in the way the choose, they are after all paying the premium. It might have been the only option a late cancellation. They might not have the kit and just be using it as an adjacent service point. They might be like us. I would fill our tank, then coil the hose and store in the garage, rather than leaving it lying on the ground. The waste would not get connected until the tank needed emptying. So there would be no visible connections.

With the money that seems to be pouring into the clubs coffers this year with sites so full ,it seems that service pitches with the add  money the generate and even more so with super?pitches ,it means not only have the club bought Carnon downs but at least three sites are having major upgrades which includes more serviced and super pitches for those who do not try to say the club  is getting too pricy, 

It might be that serviced pitches are more economical in the long run. Facilities blocks drain energy with heating, lighting and maintenance.

Do not say that or those who complain about anything will want to know why service pitches are more expensive

I think the answer to that is simple. They can get it, it’s what the market can afford for the limited number they provide.

Could they fill the pitches at the same cost if all were service and there was no toilet block. I doubt it very much.

even if folk are showering in the van and using water at near twice the rate that we do, and two tankfuls are needed each week, then turning the tap on twice will have cost approx £30.

£15 a tankful might seem terrifically good value to SP advocates but horrendously expensive to others....but it gets even dearer in the scenarios below...

shower using the site facs and the volume used will halve....it will still cost that same £30 as these costs are part of the nightly fee...but you now only get a single tankful for your money (ouch!).

arrive with a full tank from a previous site, or from home, and those showering in the van might need one further tankful of water for £30 (similar ouch!)

...while those with a full tank and using site showers wont actually need to put any water at all in the van yet will still pay £30 for the pivilege of being able to see a tap on their pitch (double ouch!).

perhaps some like to 'keep the tank topped up' even of they only have a day or two left on site....as earlier, what happens to all that expensive topped up tank water when they leave?

yes, i can see that SP are marvellous for those who cant 'manage water' or dont have largish water tanks and need to fill barrels regularly (caravans) but many will be using them out of 'convenience' (rather then need) which is what they're for, no doubt...

..but it only takes a minute to realise what you are (or arent) getting for your money.

yes, a level hardstanding pitch might be an incentive but, come on, shouldnt ALL the pitches on a Club Site be level and well drained?

im very used to having a tap (and often a drain) on pitches abroad or on commercials here, but they come as std, and i wouldnt be paying a £30 a week charge for a tankful of water....or for nothing

a polarising topic, like many in the vanning world, and folk will love 'em or not.

as Steve says, a great money spinner for the club, no doubt.....an SP at Hillhead is around £52 tonight!

It's choice BB, people choose these pitches. Occasionally like the OP you find yourself on one. That happened to us at Keswick, we enjoyed it but now find those particular pitches are allocated to the site managers so we're back to the communal tap! 

If you need to save money you also have the choice to do so. 

As pointed out it's not the cost of the water, you're already paying for that. The club can get a good price for an exclusive facilty, a common business practice. 

However these pitches are an absolute boon for some so there are many reasons they are popular.