Crowded out

Posted on 03/09/2019 12:44 by richardandros

Oneputt -  I don't know if your comment was directed at the example I gave, but the owner in question is an absolute stickler for the rules (be it C&CC or CAMC) and therefore isn't complaining and definitely wouldn't bend the rules. Yes, he could go down the commercial route but he recognises the advantages of being with either Club and wishes to stay with one or the other.

What is baffling me is why has he been told - by both Clubs - that two CL/CS's are not allowed together - whether 'owned' by different members of the family or not - when I have stayed on one such 'double' CL not more than 10 miles away?

I wonder if Maddie could clarify exactly what this Club's stance on this is?

Posted on 05/09/2019 13:48 by CLMaddie

Hi Richardandros

I don't have much involvement in the application process but am seeking an answer for you. Please bear with me and I will update you as soon as possible. 

Thanks

Maddie

Posted on 01/09/2019 12:42 by Ted on the zed

Hi Folks,

An interesting discussion. My wife and I run Firs Cottage CL just outside Much Wenlock in Shropshire. We bought it in April 2017 when it was advertised in the sale particulars as a 6 van site. We have been caravanning together for 15 years and only used CL's after first using Club Sites but then deciding that they were too busy for us and we didn't use the extra facilities that we were paying a premium for. The club currently certificate sites based on a few conditions, fresh water and chemical toilet emptying points must be available and no more than 5 vans are permitted. Ehu's, if provided, must be checked by an electrician periodically and if water is from a private bore hole, then that must be checked annually. Our septic tank has to be pumped out annually also. We have to have a minimum of £1m liability insurance. 

I think that there needs to be a change to allow 6 vans where space allows CL owners to fit an extra van in. This would give owners a little extra income to cover the above mentioned costs and keep pitch fees from rising too quickly. We are priced at £16 per night but will be increasing to £17 as from 1st Nov 2019. In April this year we had an electric bill of £350 in May it was £260. Unfortunately some guests, despite a sign asking them not to run heaters in awnings, still do. Caravans and motorhomes are consuming much more power than they did 10 years ago but some people still want pitch fees to be at 2009 prices. We regularly have vans with with outside showers for washing boots and dogs, large fridge freezers, underfloor heating, microwaves, air con  and some caravans now have integral heaters that heat an awning. Metered EHU's are now being installed on more CL's and guests given 10 free units of power per day. Although we haven't gone down this route ourselves, it is something we'll consider. Then those who wish to consume excessive electricity would pay rather than low users paying increased pitch fees. 

We recently had our annual visit from the Caravan Club 'Advisor' to use his own definition but more accurately Inspector. Who always arrives unannounced and walks on to our private property, this year at 3pm on a Sunday as we were about to go out to visit my parents. A call in advance, even on the day would be appreciated. This is in effect a spot check to ensure compliance. We had 6 vans on and I make no apology for it. Even if he had called to say he was coming we wouldn't have hidden the fact.

I know I have veered off the topic of 5 vans but my point is relevant in that 1 extra van would help keep CL's from closing. It would be a boost to the rural economy, which we need in these uncertain times. It wouldn't affect guests staying on these sites in a negative way as they would still be small, quiet getaways. Perhaps legislation at a government level to allow permitted development of 6 van sites.

We have invested a lot of money into making our CL what it is today and we'll continue doing so. We provide fully serviced, hard standing pitches with 16amp EHU. We've planted trees and put up bird feeders and boxes. As caravanners ourselves we strive to give guests the sort of site we would like to stay on. This takes time and money and we love doing it but having the 6th pitch enables us to invest more in the site and cover our increasing outgoings.

We would be happy to have you come and try our CL and see what you think.

Thanks for reading.

Brian and Alison

Firs Cottage CL

Posted on 06/09/2019 12:25 by CholseyGrange

Does anyone know the full story behind this BBC news piece

A councillor who faced complaints about the legality of caravan pitches on his land has been cleared of wrongdoing.

Former Powys planning chair David Price won permission last year to run 28 pitches at Noyadd Farm, Builth Wells.

But evidence showed he had been running 28 pitches for years when Caravan Club rules only allowed him five.

Source:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-49579972?fbclid=IwAR2WLDOOfiezLktqo2tI4bCq0wpqSNHqkAn7TqSQ7TF9RTMisWdb6hDlheM