Guernsey Environment Department agrees trial run for motorhomes on campsites

Following concerns from campsite operators that controls on visitors with motorhomes coming to the Island are too strict, the Environment Department has agreed new and more flexible procedures. The decision follows discussions with the campsite operators, the Commerce and Employment Department, Condor Ferries and the Guernsey Border Agency (GBA).

The proposed new procedures will see operators apply for planning permission to use part of their sites for motorhomes. If planning permission is granted, visitors will no longer have to get a separate permission from the Department for their motorhome. Instead, the campsite operator will control the issue of permits, which will be sent at the time of booking and used by Condor and the GBA to control entry. This will save time and effort for everyone involved.

The use of caravans and motor homes on the Island has been carefully managed since the 1970s. Unlimited use could result in damage to the Island’s unique environment, create traffic problems and lead to unsightly caravan sites being used for temporary workers. The new rules will balance the need to promote tourism while protecting Guernsey’s special character and heritage.

Director of Planning Control Services, Jim Rowles said:
“This proposed change in planning approach will continue to carefully regulate the use of caravans and motorhomes, while making a valuable contribution to tourism on the Island by allowing the limited sitting of motorhomes at the Island’s main campsites for overnight visitor accommodation.

Any planning permission will include conditions with limitations on the way the site can operate, and the number of vehicles permitted. Around 6 to 8 vehicles will be allowed on a specified part of each campsite. It is likely that any initial permission will be limited to a trial run period of two years so any problems can be identified and resolved. Any stay on the Island will be limited to a maximum of one month, as is also the case in Jersey which runs a similar scheme.

The Department will however continue to oppose the development of facilities for trailer caravans, which are unsuited to the Island’s environment and infrastructure.”

The new system will apply to visitors from France and Jersey as well as from the UK. Planning applications from the campsite operators are expected very shortly. If these are granted, the new procedures can be in place for the main summer season. The new rules will be published on both the planning website as well as on www.visitguernsey.com (from ICFeed)

The start of a slippery slope?

A very bad move.

why is it such a bad move x

Because it could open the door for an invasion of traveller types. I assure you, you don't want them.

i doubt it kingcole..it is being trialed under strict rules

How would immigration at the harbour be able to tell between a genuine holiday maker in his motor home or caravan and a traveller ?

"Any stay on the Island will be limited to a maximum of one month,"

do you honestly think travellers would bother paying condors ludicrous fares to come to guernsey for 1 month kingcolemk x

Travellers do not take any notice of rules, and once in are a devils job to shift. Over here it can take months, even years of courtroom battles to get them off private land.

One illegal site in Sussex is finally being cleared after 4 years of legal wrangling right up to the European Court of Human Rights. The total cost of shifting them is going to come to about £8 million.

Seeing how your states can't even get a few dumped cars moved, they would have no chance with travellers.

this is guernsey and they would need a right to work document and a licence to live here ..we are not the uk and the travellers would be deported immediately