COUNCILLORS POISED TO SIGNAL APPROVAL FOR CLEETHORPES MOTORHOMES PARKING SITE

Grassy site could accommodate 16 pitches

A NEW purpose-built motorhomes parking site is on the cards for Cleethorpes.

At a tourism scrutiny panel meeting this week, North East Lincolnshire councillors are expected to look favourably at earmarking an area of grassed land at the Marine  Walk car par, near the Buck Beck outfall, for such a use.

This site is already used unlawfully by some motorhomers, but NELC operates no alternative facility (though  the car park adjacent to Wonderland is sometimes used - at a charge of £10 per night).

The car park at Wonderland

Only a tenner a night

A briefing note to Thursday's meeting states: "We know that, in previous years, there has been unofficial use of grassed land adjacent to the Marine Walk car park, situated at the end of Meridian Road (off Kings Road) past the day chalets.

"This unauthorised use has often spilled out on to the hardstanding car park which has caused upset with car park users as they often are unable to use the car park. 

"Two seasons ago the council erected new signage informing that use was not permitted.                                          

Fines warning to unauthorised overnighters

"Furthermore the car parks team have been visiting and issuing parking enforcement warnings and notices at Marine Walk and also at Lakeside which also hosts  regular unapproved motorhomes visits.

The note  continues: "This year, the council has been approached on two separate occasions by representatives of the motorhome community who have requested that the council explore the opportunity for formal parking or a dedicated site. 

"The magazine, Motorcaravan Motorhome Monthly, is  very keen to provide media coverage for any site that is established in the area."    

Publicity - mag's reps are talking to NELC

Following investigations, Lakeside has been discounted  as a potential site "on the basis that when the wind blows in the direction of the proposed site, an unpleasant smell comes from the adjacent pumping stations".

As the Marine Walk area has been unofficially used in past years, this is the preferred site.

It would provide 16 pitches and could provide a handsome income generator though initial infrastructure investment (there is no electricity) could be costly

The briefing note cautions: "The site is close to a Site of Specific Scientific Interest (SSSI) and so it may be constrained, and further due diligence is required to firm up the financial analysis."

However, should the venture proceed, there might also be  an opportunity to make better use of the land surrounding the day chalets.

It is understood that the new owners of the former Pleasure Island site are being consulted for their input.                                          

Marine Walk car park on a winter's day