Estuary views for Exmouth motorhomes

East Devon Council plans improved facilities

Exmouth’s former lorry park overlooking the Exe Estuary could become a dedicated location for motorhomes and camper van pitches.

The site off The Royal Avenue, near the train station, has been put forward as a possible location in East Devon where ‘appropriate facilities’ would be provided by the district council to allow longer stays, and for which a premium overnight rate comparable with commercial campsites could be charged.

An East Devon car parking committee has backed officers' proposals to explore the idea. 

Cllr Rylance said that the lorry park was perfect for overnight camping, with Cllr Davey adding that it would be a very attractive site and an exciting opportunity. Cllr Joe Whibley said that campervans and motorhomes won’t stop coming so the council needs to encourage them to a certain extent but to manage them in some way.

Subject to later  approval by the district's cabinet, the council would begin a formal consultation process with Natural England to consider the impact. Andrew Ennis, East Devon’s service lead for car parks, said this could be a ‘significant hurdle.’

The committee also recommended the existing "absolute bargain" charge of £11 for 24 hours be increased to between £15 and £20 a night, with overnight stays in car parks allowed in any of the pay and display car parks that are “deemed suitable”.

Mr Ennis's report said East Devon is seeing an increasing number of motorhomes in beauty spots and car parks, and the revised policy he had put forward was not about encouraging visitors but to alleviate some of the issues that may arise, or offer services that could benefit the community and generate revenue for the council.

He said that increasing charges would cover the cost of providing fresh water and additional refuge at the site.

DAY VISITORS

The committee backed keeping the policy unchanged and that visitors and residents may use any public car parks, but if their vehicle is unable to park wholly within one of the standard parking bays (2.4m x 4.8m) then they must park better.

STOPOVERS/SHORT OVERNIGHT STAYS

They backed proposals that overnight stays in car parks can be allowed, subject to strict terms and conditions, in any of the pay and display car parks that are “deemed suitable” in consultation with councillors and the relevant town or parish council. It may be appropriate to allow overnight stays of three consecutive nights in suitable locations.

FIRE SAFETY

The council can allow overnight stays in circumstances that comply with fire safety legislation and there must be safe separation of vans staying overnight.

The committee agreed to a suggestion to mark bays in different colours for people parking overnight so they can manage spacing to stop people parking wherever they like.

CHARGES

The current tariff of £11 per night should increase to between £15-20 a night. 

ARRANGEMENTS FOR LOCAL RESIDENTS

Residents will still be unable to purchase a parking permit to use public car parks for long-term storage of motorhomes and campervans when they are not in use, but it has to be a vehicle that fits into a standard bay.

The exemption will only apply in areas where the resident lives in close proximity to the car park in question and where the vehicle is registered and insured in their name at that home address.