With or without awning pitches. What's difference?

Spriddler
Spriddler Forum Participant Posts: 646
500 Comments
edited August 2016 in UK Campsites & Touring #1

I normally stay on CLs but I'm taking my 90 yr sister away in my m/h for a sort of 'Bruv'll Fixit' three day trip and I think she'd prefer a 'proper' site.

Looking at Hunters Moon, every single day in Sept and Oct is fully booked for Hard Without Awning pitches, yet only 9 days in Sept and none in Oct are full for hard With Awnings pitches.

Why are non awning pitches (apparently) preferred?

Aren't both sorts of pitch the same size?

and the same price?

Does my wind-out m/h canopy (no ends or sides) count as an awning?

Confused................

Comments

  • Chris102
    Chris102 Forum Participant Posts: 84
    edited August 2016 #2

    Some sites only have 1 or 2 non awning pitches so they fill up quickly.

    Looking at the site plan for Hunters Moon there appears to be only 1 hard standing no awning pitch.

    As far as I know there is no difference in price no doubt someone will correct me if I an wrong.

  • Takethedogalong
    Takethedogalong Forum Participant Posts: 17,077 ✭✭✭
    10,000 Likes 1000 Comments Name Dropper Photogenic
    edited August 2016 #3

    Hi Spriddler. As far as I am aware, you can use a wind out canopy on a none awning pitch, assuming you won't have a car parked alongside. Just have to careful of the spacing rules on Club Sites. We have never had a problem on either awning or none awning
    pitches.Happy

  • huskydog
    huskydog Club Member Posts: 5,460 ✭✭✭✭✭
    1000 Comments
    edited August 2016 #4

    Not at Battle club site, i booked a non-awning pitch and asked the warden if i could use my wind out awning and was told NO, perhaps they need to be updated.....................

  • Tinwheeler
    Tinwheeler Forum Participant Posts: 23,155 ✭✭✭
    10,000 Likes 1000 Comments Name Dropper
    edited August 2016 #5

    Chris102 is absolutely right. Non-awning pitches are in the minority so get blocked in yellow as fully booked quite quickly. It does not mean they are preferred, only that there aren't many of them. With-awning pitches take ages to be fully booked purely because there are so many of them.

    There is no price difference.

    You can usually use the wind out canopy on a non-awning pitch subject to maintaining the required gap which might mean not being able to fully extend it. I prefer to book a with-awning pitch to make sure.

  • Takethedogalong
    Takethedogalong Forum Participant Posts: 17,077 ✭✭✭
    10,000 Likes 1000 Comments Name Dropper Photogenic
    edited August 2016 #6

    Not at Battle club site, i booked a non-awning pitch and asked the warden if i could use my wind out awning and was told NO, perhaps they need to be updated.....................

    Don't know that site HD, but working on assumption you only had MH, then even on a none awning pitch your wind out would go where a van owner would park car, so no problem with spacing. There might of course be another reason, I know a couple of sites have
    a strict no awning policy on certain pitch areas, such as that at White House Beach. As you say, may be down to interpretation.

  • tombar
    tombar Forum Participant Posts: 408
    edited August 2016 #7

    It seems to me that its only CC sites that has this most stupid rule of awning and non-awning pitches.  Does it really matter or is it just to get more spaces to get more money.  Personally, all pitches should be made for unit with awnings, whether you bring
    one or not is up to youUndecided

  • JVB66
    JVB66 Forum Participant Posts: 22,892
    1000 Comments
    edited August 2016 #8

    Not at Battle club site, i booked a non-awning pitch and asked the warden if i could use my wind out awning and was told NO, perhaps they need to be updated.....................

    ..You can usually use a wind  out awning on non awning pitches when the m/van  is the only vehicle, next time i would "question "the wardens decisionWink

  • SteveL
    SteveL Club Member Posts: 12,311 ✭✭✭
    5,000 Likes 1000 Comments Name Dropper
    edited August 2016 #9

    It seems to me that its only CC sites that has this most stupid rule of awning and non-awning pitches.  Does it really matter or is it just to get more spaces to get more money.  Personally, all pitches should be made for unit with awnings, whether you bring one or not is up to youUndecided

    I am not sure why some pitches were originally non awning, as some are as large as awning pitches. Now it is down to preserving 6 metres between units, in case  fire. One  site, Old Hartley, has become totally non awning and lost some pitches.

  • Spriddler
    Spriddler Forum Participant Posts: 646
    500 Comments
    edited August 2016 #10

    Thanks all.

    It all seems rather illogical/random and unnecessarily complicated. It's makimg my head hurt.Frown

    I can't see why anyone would choose a non awning pitch when there are still (presumably larger) awning pitches available at the same price, as in the situation currrently at Hunters Moon. It's not as though we can be awarded CT Forum halos as well as stars.

    Well blow me down! Here's one now

    Innocent 

    Thank you.

  • JVB66
    JVB66 Forum Participant Posts: 22,892
    1000 Comments
    edited August 2016 #11

    It seems to me that its only CC sites that has this most stupid rule of awning and non-awning pitches.  Does it really matter or is it just to get more spaces to get more money.  Personally, all pitches should be made for unit with awnings, whether you bring one or not is up to youUndecided

    ...A lot of the "problems"of non awning pitches came about when the fire safety advise was more stringently applied after a c/van fire at a site some years ago, when it was found some hardstand awning pitches infringed the recomended fire breaks,and it will be even more so i would think after Broadway, All sites in the uk "should " also "comply" but then until something happens on sites,some companies/owners seem not to "worry",after the big fire at a holiday home site a some years ago,it seems they are far more spaced now  

  • mickysf
    mickysf Forum Participant Posts: 6,474 ✭✭✭
    2,500 Likes 1000 Comments
    edited August 2016 #12

    Possibly many sites were laid out years ago when cars, caravans and awnings were narrower. It may be difficult and costly to re landscape sites & pitches to accommodate all for the larger units we see today and therefore maybe it was necessary  to designate some as non awning in order to maintain firebreaks. With the amount of folks not even errecting awnings it may also be justifiable to do this.

  • JillwithaJay
    JillwithaJay Club Member Posts: 2,485 ✭✭
    500 Likes 1000 Comments
    edited August 2016 #13

    For any motorhomer wishing to use a canopy on a non-awning pitch, here is a response from HQ:

    "Standard Pitch Without Awning

    Members cannot use awnings of any shape or size (including porch awnings) on this pitch type.  Motorhomes can use a wind out sun shade as long as a 3 metre fire separation gap is maintained.  

    Members may be asked to wind the canopy in sufficiently to achieve the 3 metre gap."

    No mention of warden's discretion; just a  simple yes you can.

    photo 78301b06-7bdd-45fe-8ae2-d4d2cae14135_zpssi5htrez.jpg

     

     

  • Spriddler
    Spriddler Forum Participant Posts: 646
    500 Comments
    edited August 2016 #14

    "Standard Pitch Without Awning

     Motorhomes can use a wind out sun shade as long as a 3 metre fire separation gap is maintained.  

     

     

     

    Thank you Jill, et al. Happy

  • Aspenshaw
    Aspenshaw Forum Participant Posts: 611
    500 Comments
    edited August 2016 #15

    Non awning pitches allow more pitches as they take up less room. Members are encouraged to book non awaning pitches if they do not have an awning. When you arrive on site, it rarely matters which pitch you choose.

  • SteveL
    SteveL Club Member Posts: 12,311 ✭✭✭
    5,000 Likes 1000 Comments Name Dropper
    edited August 2016 #16

    Non awning pitches allow more pitches as they take up less room. Members are encouraged to book non awaning pitches if they do not have an awning. When you arrive on site, it rarely matters which pitch you choose.

    It does if you choose an awning one, when you have booked a non awning, as come the weekend the site will be full and someone will be rather annoyed that they can't put up their awning. However, this should never happen, as when you go back to the warden to tell them what pitch you are on, they would tell you to move.

  • JVB66
    JVB66 Forum Participant Posts: 22,892
    1000 Comments
    edited August 2016 #17

    Non awning pitches allow more pitches as they take up less room. Members are encouraged to book non awaning pitches if they do not have an awning. When you arrive on site, it rarely matters which pitch you choose.

    ..That is not usually the case as a lot of non awning pitches on cc sites used to be awning pitches before the latest purge on spaceing was implemented ,and if you  book a non awning pitch you are more than likely to be asked to move,whereas if you book an awning pitch then decide you do not need it "most" wardens will be only too pleased for you to swap,

  • Unknown
    edited August 2016 #18
    This content has been removed.
  • JillwithaJay
    JillwithaJay Club Member Posts: 2,485 ✭✭
    500 Likes 1000 Comments
    edited August 2016 #19

    Non awning pitches allow more pitches as they take up less room. Members are encouraged to book non awaning pitches if they do not have an awning. When you arrive on site, it rarely matters which pitch you choose.

    I'd be interested to know who's encouraged you to book a non-awning pitch if you don't have an awning.  

    I often book an awning pitch and decide on arrival whether to put my awning up, depending often on the weather or the pitch itself. Having booked an awning pitch I have space for my chairs and table.  

    Nobody has ever challenged my booking of an awning pitch or discouraged me from booking one.

    photo 78301b06-7bdd-45fe-8ae2-d4d2cae14135_zpssi5htrez.jpg

     

  • Unknown
    edited August 2016 #20
    This content has been removed.
  • Pippah45
    Pippah45 Forum Participant Posts: 2,452
    1000 Comments
    edited August 2016 #21

    BB Spriddler said he thought his sister might appreciate a luxury site Wink  I think my brothers would know I appreciate peace and quiet - and
    head for the THS! 

  • Unknown
    edited August 2016 #22
    This content has been removed.
  • IanH
    IanH Forum Participant Posts: 4,708
    1000 Comments
    edited August 2016 #23

    Non awning pitches allow more pitches as they take up less room. Members are encouraged to book non awaning pitches if they do not have an awning. When you arrive on site, it rarely matters which pitch you choose.

    I'd be interested to know who's encouraged you to book a non-awning pitch if you don't have an awning.  

    I often book an awning pitch and decide on arrival whether to put my awning up, depending often on the weather or the pitch itself. Having booked an awning pitch I have space for my chairs and table.  

    Nobody has ever challenged my booking of an awning pitch or discouraged me from booking one.

    photo 78301b06-7bdd-45fe-8ae2-d4d2cae14135_zpssi5htrez.jpg

     

    Jill,

    I think that this might be what was being referred to:

    "if you do not have an awning please select a non awning pitch if available."

    It's in the 'more info' drop down for pitch types for each site.

    I guess in your case you do have an awning, so can book whichever you wish?

  • Spriddler
    Spriddler Forum Participant Posts: 646
    500 Comments
    edited August 2016 #24

    BB Spriddler said he thought his sister might appreciate a luxury site Wink  I think my brothers would know I appreciate peace and quiet - and head for the THS! 

    Whats a'proper' site....? a crowded club site on a busy road?

    ok, there might be a shower, but i wonder if Spriddlers van is nicer?Wink

    either way, i hope they enjoy their breakHappy

    Well rather than refering to a 'proper site' I should've said a site where the paths/roads are level, flat, and smooth, the sanitaires are more like home and there are many people coming and going, facilitating chairbound curtain-twitching and the opportunity for (usually) uncharitalbe muttering. She can be a grumpy old bird.

    Wild horses wouldn't normally get me on to a commercial site with its regimented rows of Lego bricks, proliferation of neat signs, manicured parkland and customary protocols.

    At a mere 71 and a solo m/homer I always use CLs or aires, but p'raps when I'm 91........?.

  • Wildwood
    Wildwood Club Member Posts: 3,585
    1000 Comments 250 Likes Photogenic
    edited August 2016 #25

    The idea of non awning pitches came in with the six meter rule. Basically to fit the existing number of pitches onto the sites some needed a few non awning pitches to give the spacing. Making an existing site all awning pitches would require a lot of work
    and expense and reduce the number of pitches when they are already in short supply. 

    As many people do not need an awning pitches the current system works well enough and I see no reason to change things. Having said that there are one or two sites were the non awning pitches can be inferior but you will find them available when they should
    be gone. There are also some sites with yarmac pitches and there is no way you will get an awning secured on these.

  • IamtheGaitor
    IamtheGaitor Forum Participant Posts: 529
    edited August 2016 #26

     next time i would "question "the wardens decisionWink

    I would too - but I doubt it would ever get you very far. The warden's word seems to be law even when it clearly contradicts with EGHQ statements. 

  • Steve6768
    Steve6768 Forum Participant Posts: 3
    edited September 2016 #27

    Chris102 is absolutely right. Non-awning pitches are in the minority so get blocked in yellow as fully booked quite quickly. It does not mean they are preferred, only that there aren't many of them. With-awning pitches take ages to be fully booked
    purely because there are so many of them.

    There is no price difference.

    You can usually use the wind out canopy on a non-awning pitch subject to maintaining the required gap which might mean not being able to fully extend it. I prefer to book a with-awning pitch to make sure.

    Write your comments here...On the French Aires wind out awnings are as i understand are not permitted if they touch the ground, however the continental MH owners attach the legs to the side of the Motor homes thus abstaining the rules, is this not another
    way round it. Winking

  • DSB
    DSB Club Member Posts: 5,697 ✭✭✭
    1,500 Likes 1000 Comments Name Dropper Photogenic
    edited September 2016 #28

    It seems to me that its only CC sites that has this most stupid rule of awning and non-awning pitches.  Does it really matter or is it just to get more spaces to get more money.  Personally, all pitches should be made for unit with awnings, whether you bring
    one or not is up to youUndecided

    I am not sure why some pitches were originally non awning, as some are as large as awning pitches. Now it is down to preserving 6 metres between units, in case  fire. One  site, Old Hartley, has become totally non awning and lost some pitches.

    With regard to the posts above, I think that the reason we have non-awning pitches is historical.  At one time I think the majority were able to take awnings until the regulation about distance between units came into being.  The pitches where the distances
    between were less than the new regulation distance were designated non-awning pitches in order to fulfil the requirements.  I think this is how the majority on non-awning pitches came about.

    This doesn't explain some of the tarmaced pitches.  Presumably these were intended for motorcaravans?

    Again I'm guessing, but I suspect the Club are not going out of there way to build new non-awning pitches?

    8

  • mickysf
    mickysf Forum Participant Posts: 6,474 ✭✭✭
    2,500 Likes 1000 Comments
    edited September 2016 #29

    It seems to me that its only CC sites that has this most stupid rule of awning and non-awning pitches.  Does it really matter or is it just to get more spaces to get more money.  Personally, all pitches should be made for unit with awnings, whether you bring one or not is up to youUndecided

    I am not sure why some pitches were originally non awning, as some are as large as awning pitches. Now it is down to preserving 6 metres between units, in case  fire. One  site, Old Hartley, has become totally non awning and lost some pitches.

    With regard to the posts above, I think that the reason we have non-awning pitches is historical.  At one time I think the majority were able to take awnings until the regulation about distance between units came into being.  The pitches where the distances between were less than the new regulation distance were designated non-awning pitches in order to fulfil the requirements.  I think this is how the majority on non-awning pitches came about.

    This doesn't explain some of the tarmaced pitches.  Presumably these were intended for motorcaravans?

    Again I'm guessing, but I suspect the Club are not going out of there way to build new non-awning pitches?

    8

    I guess you are right David, afterall, it would not really make sence would it to reduce the total number of pitches available given the cost of eliminating some in order to construct just a fewer awning pitches. Also, with so many of us not needing/wanting to erect awnings and being able to use our sun canopies instead why do this.

  • Wildwood
    Wildwood Club Member Posts: 3,585
    1000 Comments 250 Likes Photogenic
    edited September 2016 #30

    The number of non awning pitches on most sites is very low and they tend to be booked up first so no real need to reduce the number of pitches to upgrade the whole site to awning ones.

  • EasyT
    EasyT Forum Participant Posts: 16,194
    1000 Comments
    edited September 2016 #31

    I have not noticed  non awning pitches being first to go except at Bunree where they front the loch.. As they are few wjy would mlst folk limit their coice of available pitches.