Email sent 09 Mar 2021 to Mortehoe PC following article in Devon Life (https://www.devonlive.com/news/devon-ne ... er-5085550)
to sallyatmortehoepc@gmail.com
Dear Mortehoe PC,
I read today the report in the Devon Life on Mortehoe PC writing to the Prime Minister requesting new legislation to restrict all motorhome overnight parking to registered locations.
https://www.devonlive.com/news/devon-ne ... er-5085550
I agree that there is a problem with lack of provision for waste disposal and that irresponsible waste disposal must not be tolerated, however I disagree with your proposed solution.
Motorhomes are self-contained units with toilets onboard, and the majority of "builders van" use a small toilet unit e.g. Porta-potti, and therefore are NOT the culprits. However these toilets do need to be emptied every 4 days or so into a standard foul drain. This was the issue, as stated by Cllr Dan Duffield, when the public toilets were closed.
Many local authorities believe that motorhomes should use campsites, however most campsites require pre-booking and stipulate a minimum stay. This is incompatible with touring, the changes in weather and changes in tides. Further, being self contained motorhomes do not need the electricity, showers, toilets and wash rooms that are included in the campsite charges.
This issue is successfully managed and exploited in Europe by provision of paid for service points and stopovers called aires where, together with overnight parking, grey water disposal and fresh water supply, foul waste is disposed of for a small charge using a hatch cover over a foul drain. Perhaps a service point could be fitted alongside the existing public toilet? This would minimise installation costs and become a revenue source, in addition to maintaining the current tourist income - which would most likely disappear with a overnight parking ban.
In fact, together with changes to local parking regulations to allow PAID FOR overnight parking with sleeping in council car parks the council would have a silver bullet - eliminate irresponsible waste disposal, increase revenue, remove long stay parking on road sides.
Motorhomes also tour all year round so this facility could provide additional revenue in the quieter months.
I would argue there is sufficient legal regulation to combat any current anti-social behaviour, environmental pollution and extended overnight sleeping without having a blacket ban on all vehicles modified for sleeping.
I hope that Mortehoe PC reconcider their proposed ban and work with motorhome owners to the mutual benefit of all.
I am more than happy to discuss the above with Mortehoe PC and can provide examples of aire type facilities in the UK and contacts of associated council officers.
Best regards,
Andrew.
Mob 07979*******.
Mortehoe proposed national overnight motorhome ban
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Re: Mortehoe proposed national overnight motorhome ban
I have just looked at Mortehoe Council website mortehoepc.co.uk
In their 'Official documents' Under Parish Council, is a listing of ALL North Devon Council members' Declaration of interest. 2015 -19. Last updated 04/09/2018.
Cllr Don Duffield, is shown as employed at The Royal Hotel, Beach Road, Woolcombe as a Hotel Receptionist.
Another Cllr, J Richards is a Holiday park owner. - Woolacombe Sand Holiday Park, Station Road Woolacombe.
Email for Woolacombe Tourist Information Centre is; sallyatmortehoepc@gmail.com
I have sent an email to them with some attachments from our files.
In their 'Official documents' Under Parish Council, is a listing of ALL North Devon Council members' Declaration of interest. 2015 -19. Last updated 04/09/2018.
Cllr Don Duffield, is shown as employed at The Royal Hotel, Beach Road, Woolcombe as a Hotel Receptionist.
Another Cllr, J Richards is a Holiday park owner. - Woolacombe Sand Holiday Park, Station Road Woolacombe.
Email for Woolacombe Tourist Information Centre is; sallyatmortehoepc@gmail.com
I have sent an email to them with some attachments from our files.
P Simpson
Re: Mortehoe proposed national overnight motorhome ban
Hi, I've not emailed yet but have been on 'Searchforsites' app this morning to check on how many of the campsite around Woolacombe open all year round? Well out of the 15 official campsites within a 6 mile radius only 1 opens all year round!!! One opens Mar to Oct and the rest Apr to Oct or less.