Crowded out

We like CLs because, like many others, we like the peace and quiet and their location but on quite a number that we have visited over the years there have been more than 5 outfits.The question must be asked why? Is it to make the CL viable, is it because the area is very popular or is it because of a lack of alternative CLs?

We stayed on one in an area of the Lake District which didn't have an over abundance of CLs and was obviously very popular because of its location. This had 7 hard standings (with EHUs) and which on at least one night of our stay were all full plus another outfit just inside a barn and another on the roadside in the farmyard which wasn't actually separated from the CL area. All the units were very well spread out and it didn't feel crowded but it went against the five van rule. If I reported it there is a possibility that the CL could close which would mean one less for me and, obviously, others to enjoy. The farmer could toe the line and reduce the number to 5 which would  affect his income and the financial viability so he puts up the nightly fees and we all complain. Nobody wins.

Another CL at the other end of the country could easily accommodate far more outfits. It is a massive field part of which is hard standing and with a total of 10 double outlet EHUs spread over much of the whole area. On more than one occasion there have been 5 outfits on the H/S with a further 2 or three on the grassed area. Again, this is a very popular CL as it isn't far from Dover and is used by many who are using the ferries. If this was to close or strictly adhere to the 5 outfit limits there would be many of us very inconvenienced. They could apply to be a licensed site but that would almost certainly increase the nightly fees or they could close down completely if it was no longer financially viable.

These are just two examples that we have experienced. How many of us, though, have turned around and gone home again or tried to find an alternative CL or site at very short notice when we saw there was more than 5 units on site? I'm guessing not many and certainly not me. Regretfully I think we are all a bit hypocritical. I'm not saying I encourage over booking and like it if there are only 5 units maximum but if the CL is where I want to be and there is enough space and EHUs, complaining about more than 5 units would just cut off my own nose to spite my face. 

Personally I would like to see the number of units increased to 6 but only where spacing allowed this. This would make it a more viable proposition for the owner and gives us, the complaining members, an immediate increase of 20% more pitches available on the rapidly shrinking CL network. The rural economy is very fragile and us visiting helps to put some money into an area but we can't do that if the CLs aren't there.

Some years back I arrived , as No 5, on a fairly compact CL. Subsequently three more arrived, utilising a three way socket adapter for EHU. Whilst I wouldn't get too exercised over one additional van if reasonably spaced with sufficient sockets, I felt this was a bit OTT. I did discover that the owner was something of a serial offender and, having reported the incident, I noted that it was later removed from the network.

Was I the final straw that robbed him of an income or was I a victim of opportunist profiteering? In situations like this and in submitting reviews, I am always conscious that I may be impacting on someone's livelihood.

Top quality customer service?without free wifi

A case of discretion, that is what the situation required,it happens,

Some years ago we were on Henley site and it was full,the warden then at 2200 had a caravan arrive that had been  broken down (they did phone) but at just turned 2000 a camper rang the bell ,also with mechanical problems and two young children asking "if they could stop" the wardens used their discretion and"found a space for both ,I know this as we were in their awning with them 

I think you know as well as I do that this is not about discretion or genuine emergencies, It is about serial offenders who show no respect to their customers or the regulations they signed up for in order to avoid getting planning consent.

I’ve just checked out the reviews on here, and on UKcampsites, greater percentage gave it very good reviews. Did notice one other about more than five onsite. It looks nice on Google Earth. However, the lack of being forewarned about a rally would irritate us as well. Mind, it’s happened on Club Sites, never mind CLs........One of those reasons why I telephone if I can and ask a few questions. There’s a cracking response from owner on UKcampsites to a member who sounds like a manoeuvring disaster. 😲

like the warden not allowing the Swiss member to empty his cassette?

 What has someone wanting a freeby  service,for a self inflicted "problem" against those who had a unforsean problems and are willing to accept and pay for their service?

There is discretion  and then there those who think they can abuse the good wiil"/discretion "

This. Thanks Maddie

Hi, You are missing the point in the post you are responding to. He is stating that he would prefer to see only 5 vans on CL's but thinks that if space allowed then going up to 6 vans would bring benefits to the fragile rural economy and help owners in an uncertain environment where more CL's are closing down. This wouldn't affect the enjoyment of guests and these would still be quiet sites. Your experience of 9 vans on the CL you visited is a flagrant abuse of the rules I accept.

There is a CL I know of, I'll mention no name, who have just won an award in the CL of the Year competition and who have 6 serviced hard standing pitches on their CL. Just over the hedge from this is an 11 van commercial site and this seems to be allowed under the current Club rules, as long as the 6th pitch is merely a waiting area for someone turning up early.

Regards

Brian