Steamer Quay refurb removal of non EHU pitches
Just had my copy of the December magazine and noticed that the economy pitches are to be removed at Steamer Quay as part of the refurbishment. As I understand it, these are the non-EHU pitches. Isnt this somewhat short sighted in the current climate? Surely more will be using off grid as a way of saving money? We certainly will be next year. Maybe there is some special issue at this site? I havnt stayed there, just noticed it in the magazine.
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Comments
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The site formerly had no EHU pitches, HJA, but the refurb encompasses EHU provision for the first time. Whether this is a move forward or a retrograde step is a matter of opinion.🤷🏻♂️
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I wonder if the site will remain as popular after the refurbishment as it seems to have been when it was without EHU? I guess it's location helps but surely a major attraction was the lack of EHU and the price. No doubt it will be a lot more expensive in the future.
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Clearly the Club have a long enough new lease to warrant them undertaking a major upgrade of the site. Now I appreciate that the current configuration of the site suits some people but clearly a lot of members won't go to a site without EHU. This upgrade will make it an exceptionally popular campsites I imagine. I don't think the Club have any alternative but to refurbish the site in the same fashion as other sites in the network. Leaving pitches without EHU would not maximise the return on investment? However what they could do is for the "new" Steamer Quay to be the first site with electric meters to be installed which would satisfy both those that don't want EHU and those that do. Because it currently has no EHU's it would be easy to justify the meters, if indeed meters need to be justified? Will they be brave enough to do that?
David
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From the website:-
Steamer Quay Club Campsite is due to undergo a full redevelopment.
Economy pitches will be converted to 46 new non-awning serviced pitches, while the work will also see new motor van waste points, new service points, a new electric vehicle charging point and a refurbishment of the toilet block. The campsite is currently closed and is expected to reopen during summer 2023 (subject to planning permission, therefore exact details and dates are subject to change).
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I can't recall the site being underused even though it was all non ehu, although it could get soggy in bad weather. I think the idea now is to extend the opening season and squeeze in (3?) more pitches. Because all the new pitches will be serviced the prices will no doubt be high. I hope the roadside tarmac pitches will not form part of the new set up but who knows.
As said before, just a few yards away motorhomes can stay overnight on the council owned riverside car park for a very reasonable fee.
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That is interesting, if true. The further north you are the less solar available. Are CAMC deliberately setting up the trial to fail so that they can say "Nobody wants non EHU" ?
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I raised the issue on the awning or non awning thread I started on here. The new development at Steamer Quay is on the way now, it will be all serviced and non awning. Personally it's not something I consider to be on the average members "want" list.
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Sounds like the whole complexion of the site will change with a completely different demographic making use of it.
yes, probably more inclusive, as more need EHU, but possibly at the expense of those who use it currently for what it is...a cheap (ish) site in a good location.
the post refurb prices will certainly make current users think again about its change of 'value'.
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I have always shied away from Steamer Quay because of the lack of EHU. I wonder how many others have for the same reason? It is such a good location that I am sure you could easily spend a week there, in fact depending on when the refurb is done I may well be a customer in 2023. The non awning bit doesn't worry me as we only use the Fiamma as a sunshade and it's always put in at night, I assume this will be allowed as seems to be the case for current non awning pitches assuming space rules can be met. We will have to wait an see about prices but I doubt they will be cheap and could probably come as a shock to those who regularly use the site in its current configuration.
David
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You'd be surprised how many enjoyed holidays there David, families with children, awnings up for extra space etc. It was a pleasant experience all round. We noticed last year that bigger motorhomes were arriving, I think it will disappoint those who appreciated the relaxed atmosphere, it will now be bright lights and music and doubled in price!
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If in that area, we would have used it in either configuration. However, I can understand the CC’s desire to upgrade it if they have a decent lease. Service pitches, where they have been installed, are very popular, often selling out well before the standard version. Given it’s small size making them all service seems a sensible decision. As with DK the non awning bit wouldn’t worry me. It will perhaps be more popular with touring MH’s as they only generally bother with wind outs.
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You've missed the point CY, we're talking about metering not a non EHU option although it could be thought of as the same, which I thought you were in favour of?
And anyway as someone actually living in the north I can assure you there is plenty of solar, in fact we get more daylight hours in summer than you do so just the opposite then. People do actually go off grid even further north than here, Scotland I believe.
Do you ever come up this far north?
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Certainly when it gets SP and what's been posted on here about the area it will be on my list of sites to visit.
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I don’t think we’re talking about hours CY, I think I remember it being sub 1hr difference. The uk ain’t the USA we don’t have time zones👍🏻
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You're right and the site details still say subject to planning permission, I wrongly assumed it was all under way....it's very much an eco area, I'm surprised at the proposed plans! Perfect spot for a "green" site....which it was...
If people don't know Totnes they're "keen on green", look up the hydro energy Archimedes Screw on the Dart.
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The Club is probably stil in discussions with the council as to what is acceptable to them. No sense in submitting plans that would be rejected. I have been trying to find where I read the lease was conditional on developing the site, must have been one of the council meetings but I have not come across it again.
peedee
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With a MH with a solar panel (I assume you have one?) what is it that makes you feel so apprehensive as to 'shy away' from a site like this, certainly in the summer?
If one was keen to investigate the area, here is a site that is (as you say) well located and, if it needs gas for hot water and the fridge for a few days, is this really such a problem to turn someone off from trying a site they're interested in?
once tried, you never know, you might take to it?
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Was it not a condition of the new lease and also SHDC wanted it to be open all year ?
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Oh yes. Last year I spent a month in the Cairngorms. All but two nights were off EHU.
I am also aware of the "midnight sun" aspect but even then, there is less solar power available. It can be off set by having agreed panels that track during the day but that is too complex for LV fitted panels.
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Do I look like a member of the Rothschild family?
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