E.6/21
The
Executive considered a report that presented the findings of the
public consultation exercise into the draft Motorhome Strategy in
accordance with the request of the Executive at its last meeting
held on 22 April 2021 (Minute E.84/20 refers).
In
presenting the report, the lead Executive Member highlighted
that:
-
it was his
wish for the Strategy to come into effect before the May Bank
Holiday weekend and half-term holidays had started;
-
this
Strategy was very important for both the local tourism industry and
South Hams economy; and
-
the number of consultation responses was commendable. In thanking those
consultees for submitting representations, the Member was of the
view that the report recommendations demonstrated that the Council
had listened carefully and had taken these comments into
account.
During the ensuing debate, reference was made to:
(a)
concerns
related to Anti-Social Behaviour. To mitigate against any instances of Anti-Social
Behaviour, Members were informed that measures would be put in
place that included:
o
increased
patrols in the car parks;
o
additional
litter bin capacity; and
o
improved
signage;
(b) night fishermen. In reply to a specific
question from a local Ward Member, officers asked that night
fishermen be encouraged to contact the Council in order to obtain
an express permission to be able to park overnight in Council car
parks;
(c)
the proposals including the Cattle Market Car Park,
Kingsbridge. In reflecting the views of
Kingsbridge Town Council, a local Ward Member expressed her
disappointment that the Cattle Market Car Park was still included
as part of the proposals. In response,
it was noted that the majority of the concerns raised by the Town
Council had related to inclusion of the Quay Car Park, Kingsbridge
and this had since been proposed to be removed from the pilot
scheme. In addition, other Members
expressed their disappointment at the views of the Town Council and
reiterated the need for the Kingsbridge economy to be in receipt of
a much needed boost;
(d) the proposals
striking the right balance. Whilst of
the view that the proposals struck the right balance, the
importance of good management to ensure that the pilot scheme was a
success was also recognised;
(e)
the use of local village hall and community centre car
parks. In the event of the pilot scheme
being a success, Members encouraged parish councils to explore any
opportunities that they may have to introduce similar provision
within their local car parks;
(f)
advertising
via short stay motorhome and camper van
websites. Members highlighted relevant
websites that promoted car parks that were available for short
stays and asked that officers contact these to ensure that the
Council Car Parks were listed;
Before concluding the debate, a number of Members wished to put
on record their thanks to the lead officer for her tireless work in
reaching this project milestone.
It was then:
rESOLVED
1.
That the
revision of the Motorhome Policy and Charges be approved (in
accordance with Appendix A of the presented agenda ...
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