Hopefully more motorhome parking in the Lake District

[Alan1951]

Our local paper has just published the following article. Looks hopeful for people visiting the Lake District.

COPELAND Council is hoping to help manage an anticipated influx of motorhome holiday makers this summer.

The council is encouraging suitable businesses to offer pitches for campervans, to prevent illegal camping in inappropriate places where there are no facilities.

Copeland's Mayor, Mike Starkie, said: “After the first lockdown, Cumbria had a lot of motorhome owners visiting. Some camped in places where it was not appropriate and that caused problems. We want to make sure there is enough legal capacity for them in Copeland, so that these holiday makers do not need to fly camp."
The council says it is looking for existing businesses that might be able to offer a small amount of space for motorhomes.
Mr Starkie added: “This is a win-win. Not only would it prevent fly camping and all the issues it brings, it would also allow businesses to capitalise on what is likely to be a popular market.
“For example, a pub with some hard standing and, with our help, all the right permissions in place, could offer a couple of pitches and make some income. Hopefully those visitors might then eat in the pub, buy provisions locally or visit an attraction. We think it could benefit the whole tourism economy.
“It could also be an option for a campsite that currently only has tents, or a shop with extra outside space.”
The council is keen to point out that businesses cannot make such changes without permission, but that it can advise on what is needed.

 

[jagmanx]

Yes, Perhaps we should re-classify Motorhomes as "Bandwagons" formerly spelled "Banned Waggons" !

 

[Mr and Mrs Tupcox]

There is still a town park/overnight in ambleside..
Millers field was great the owners cocked it up by letting caravans camp there..

 

[number14]

Mr Starkie added:.
“For example, a pub with some hard standing and, with our help, all the right permissions in place, could offer a couple of pitches and make some income. Hopefully those visitors might then eat in the pub, buy provisions locally or visit an attraction. We think it could benefit the whole tourism economy.

It is great to see that we are starting to be regarded as a benefit at last and not just something that should be banned or blocked from car parks.
I do wonder though what are "all the right (council) permissions" that a pub needs to let a moho park overnight. If such permissions are required then someone needs to inform the 1000 or so listed in this year's Britstops. (Note - other pub stop listings are available). I do recognise that a tenanted pub may need to consult with their brewery landlords, of course.

 

[Mr and Mrs Tupcox]

Don't think so, it was predominantly motorhomes but there was a little boat storage which made one area look untidy. Have been many times and only ever seen one caravan.
I spoke to a Councillor up there who told me, that, not Graham who run the site, but the owner of the land was well out of favour as he had allegedly told a few porkies when applying for the planning permissions.
I believe, Graham was well respected by locals ,but the site owner was not!
I wonder if they will ask him to re open? I doubt it!
They said that people walking up on the hills could see the few motorhomes and didn't like it, but failed to mention the few hundred cars in the adjacent car park

edit
Incidentally, the large Millers Field car park always had signs restricting Over night parking for motorhomes and I have seen it enforced

Yes I meet graham many times as we arranged a few meets there... the last time I went there was 4 caravans there .

And yes there is still overnight parking...you just have to find it .