Dedicated overnight ‘motorcaravan’ spaces in Redcar and Cleveland should be considered even if ‘not currently feasible’

Motorcaravans are defined by the DVLA as vehicles with apermanently installed sleeping area, cooking facilities, a seating and dining area and a water storage tank, along with a separate door to the living area and a minimum length bed.

Earlier this year Redcar and Cleveland Council introduced what it said was an experimental traffic regulation order (TRO) introducing parking restrictions on Saltburn’s sea-facing Marine Parade after it was focus of complaints from residents that some such vehicles were parking for days free of charge and, in the worst instances, bringing anti-social behaviour with them.

Meanwhile there have been calls for more appropriate facilities for people wishing to park up and sleep overnight.

In February this year Salburn councillor Philip Thomson said: “Clearly there is a demand and some people do so [stay overnight] in motorhomes and converted vans…and we need to be doing more to encourage squaring the circle.”

A briefing note recently issued to members of the climate and environment scrutiny committee by a council officer said: “The development of a motorcaravan site/designated overnight parking spaces is not currently feasible.

“[But] the development of motorcaravan spaces together with the wider infrastructure requirements, should be considered in future business development and growth planning.”

The author of the note, conceded that despite having engaged with businesses in the borough and private landowners – at Cllr Thomson’s prompting – in a bid to promote a CAMpRA initiative which could have created motorhome and self-contained campervan ‘aire’ facilities, there had been “no desire or interest”.

The briefing said: “None of the businesses contacted wished to explore motorcaravan parking further.

“The key barriers being unsuitable car park layouts, limited parking capacity needed for existing customers and visitors, and the potential costs associated with creating or improving hard-standing areas.

“Similarly, the farmers and landowners contacted did not wish to accommodate overnight visitors or pursue the development of non-agricultural uses on their land.

“As a result, no additional sites have been identified.”

The briefing suggested the council had, at this stage, not identified a potential site of its own, although motorhome owners can and have been encouraged to use the existing Cat Nab car park in Saltburn, which has overnight parking, toilet and chemical waste facilities and a fresh water supply.

It also considered the Saltburn TRO, which is due to last for about 18 months, stating the approach being taken was considered to be inline with good practice adopted elsewhere.

A review when it ends will consider evidence as to how effective restrictions have been in limiting motorcaravan parking and whether it has displaced the problem elsewhere, and where to.

In June, Councillor Carl Quartermain, the cabinet member for highways and transport, said: “The new restrictions will provide an area for motorhomes to park while introducing a time limit on how long they can stay, helping to ensure parking spaces remain available for residents and visitors alike.

“We recognise that people hold strong views on this issue and that is precisely why we are introducing the measures through an experimental traffic regulation order.

“We will continue listening to residents, businesses and visitors throughout the trial period, carefully considering any comments, concerns and evidence before deciding on the long-term future of the scheme.”