2021 Monthly Open and Closed CL List

CLMaddie
CLMaddie Forum Participant Posts: 245
100 Comments Photogenic
edited September 2022 in Certificated Locations #1

Hi All

This sticky will provide the list of any CL sites which have opened or closed from the previous month in 2021. All of these will appear in the monthly magazine as well but this will show 2 months later.

I will provide a link to any new CL sites and list them as 'County - Listing Town - CL site'.

If you have any questions please comment in this discussion and I will get back to you. 

Thanks

Maddie

«13

Comments

  • CLMaddie
    CLMaddie Forum Participant Posts: 245
    100 Comments Photogenic
    edited February 2021 #2

    Hi All

    The please see below a list of sites which opened and closed in January.

    I have listed them by County, Listing town then CL site

     

    Sites opened in January.

     

    Sites closed in January

    • Cornwall - Bude - Ivyleaf
    • Cornwall - Newquay - The Beeches
    • Cornwall - Penzance - Kestal Farm
    • Cumbria - Keswick - Wallthwaite
    • Derbyshire - Ashbourne - Slack Lane
    • Devon - Holsworthy - Rydon Farm
    • Devon - Newton Abbot - Hows Farm
    • Dorset - Bournemouth - The Homestead
    • Lancashire - Blackpool - Puddle Cottage
    • Lincolnshire - Lincoln - Westmoor Caravans
    • Powys - Knighton - Monaughty Poeth
    • Shropshire - Bridgnorth - The Ship Inn
    • Shropshire - Whitchurch - Moss Cottage
    • Staffordshire - Uttoxeter - Field Head Farm
    • Warwickshire - Rugby - Sherwood Farm

    Thanks

    Maddie

  • ADP1963
    ADP1963 Forum Participant Posts: 1,280
    1000 Comments
    edited February 2021 #3

    Sad figures those Maddie. cry

  • JVB66
    JVB66 Forum Participant Posts: 22,892
    1000 Comments
    edited February 2021 #4

    The club no longer advise of the reasons for closure of CLs it could well be that some have now converted to bigger sites with more LV pitches ?I understand it is far easier to get planning permission for change of use that the hoops needs to jump through to get permission to start a site bigger than the exception certificate from organisations like the cc and ccc 

  • Takethedogalong
    Takethedogalong Forum Participant Posts: 17,034 ✭✭✭
    10,000 Likes 1000 Comments Name Dropper Photogenic
    edited February 2021 #5

    Included in that list is our favourite Cornish CL, and no, it hasn’t become something else. Memories of some lovely holidays, happy times with great owners.☹️

  • nelliethehooker
    nelliethehooker Club Member Posts: 13,636
    1000 Comments Name Dropper
    edited February 2021 #6

    JVB, I've request that they publish the reasons for closure, including if it is because the sites have gone on to be commercial ones, but without any joy, unfortunately.

  • JVB66
    JVB66 Forum Participant Posts: 22,892
    1000 Comments
    edited February 2021 #7

    If CL/CS owners have now realised it  is an easy way to expand into a commercial a larger site, it would be interesting to find out how long some have held their certificates?

  • Takethedogalong
    Takethedogalong Forum Participant Posts: 17,034 ✭✭✭
    10,000 Likes 1000 Comments Name Dropper Photogenic
    edited February 2021 #8

    I think it varies JV. Of two we know, one was decades old, new generation had taken it over. Another a lot younger.
    It’s always been a route into campsite ownership, apply for the certificate through a Club (rather than from LA), see how it goes, build up a returning clientele, then apply for planning permission to extend. It’s not as simple as it sounds, the site has to be in an area where expansion and planning is allowed, they have lots of hoops to jump through with LA’s, expenditure commitment, but a lot do do it successfully.

    If the Club doesn’t want/isn’t allowed to publish every reason for a CL coming off the network, the fact that it’s still available is very useful.

  • DavidKlyne
    DavidKlyne Club Member Posts: 13,857 ✭✭✭
    5,000 Likes 1000 Comments Name Dropper Photogenic
    edited February 2021 #9

    There might be some sensibilities about giving details of why a CL has closed. However I would of thought that telling us that a CL had changed operator or was expanding into a larger site wouldn't fit into that category? Perhaps as simple as an Asterisk alongside the closure notice for those CL's who are continuing in some form or another would be enough to allow members to explore further?

    David

  • Wherenext
    Wherenext Club Member Posts: 10,586 ✭✭✭
    5,000 Likes 1000 Comments Name Dropper
    edited February 2021 #10

    I seem to recall that they used to state if the closure was as a result of death so i don't know what has changed but your suggestion would certainly be better than the current situation David.

  • InaD
    InaD Club Member Posts: 1,701 ✭✭
    500 Likes 1000 Comments Name Dropper Photogenic
    edited February 2021 #11

    Sad to see the one in Lincs closed, no idea whether it's closed altogether or perhaps carrying on as a private site.  It had a small aircraft museum as part of the site, Metheringham Airfield Visitor Centre.  Very interesting, and the CL was lovely, more like an enormous garden with loads of space.  We really enjoyed our stay there, and whilst thinking about where we could go once we can get out again, had actually thought of going back there again.

    Edited: just checked and how time flies! I did a review for this CL, it was in 2016, can't believe it's 5 years since we were there.

  • Cherokee2015
    Cherokee2015 Forum Participant Posts: 392
    edited February 2021 #12

    I don’t think the CMC would want members to continue using sites which had left the network to increase their size as it wouldn’t promote the club and benefits of membership.  

  • DavidKlyne
    DavidKlyne Club Member Posts: 13,857 ✭✭✭
    5,000 Likes 1000 Comments Name Dropper Photogenic
    edited February 2021 #13

    Cherokee

    I have never felt the CMC has been that parochial about people using non Club sites. Even by highlighting CL's that have closed by some means doesn't mean that people will use them. But for those that like to keep track of what is available some indication of whether a CL is continuing in a different format would be useful. Why we no longer have a reason why a CL is closed and giving reasons why it has closed I suspect is more to do with data protection. For example is it acceptable to give the reason for closing as site not up to standard when that might be contested by the owner, possibly through the legal process? However I can't imagine that any former CL which has expanded into a campsite would object that members were given a pointed in that direction?

    David

  • cyberyacht
    cyberyacht Forum Participant Posts: 10,218
    1000 Comments
    edited February 2021 #14

    A quick look at the facilities available and size of the CL, in the much maligned SD, could be an indicator. If there is the space available and extensive facilities have already been installed, it's unlikely that they would cease trading, particularly if in a popular area.

  • Fisherman
    Fisherman Forum Participant Posts: 2,367
    1000 Comments
    edited February 2021 #15

    Its a myth that there are lots of hoops to pass through to get a CL/Cs updated to a bigger site. Most applications dont even go through planning committees and are passed by the planning officers as their devolved powers.  The application costs are insignificance in the overall expansion cost. The irony is that using overcrowding ( more than 5) is used to support the expansion. Even in NP there is no real anti expansion.. After all the planning authority have more powers over granted sites than Cls which is a big plus. Here in Wales and probably elsewhere there are government agencies and grants to help make the application as "diversification". The trend is likely to accelerate. 

  • harryb
    harryb Forum Participant Posts: 1,536
    1000 Comments
    edited February 2021 #16

    I wouldn't bank on this site closing completely. It has land to accommodate more than 5 caravans and maybe they've seen an opportunity to expand as the museum and visitor centre seem to have expanded too. 

    Keep the phone number

  • nelliethehooker
    nelliethehooker Club Member Posts: 13,636
    1000 Comments Name Dropper
    edited February 2021 #17

    I see that it is still listed on the ukcampsite web site, with a projected opening of 1:3:21 Covid permitting.

  • harryb
    harryb Forum Participant Posts: 1,536
    1000 Comments
    edited February 2021 #18

    Interesting find Nellie.

    Strange the only site review was in 2013 and actually says from the reviewer, "The Caravan Club has asked him to up his prices." That then showed an increase of £2 per night to £10 which could have been about right 8 years ago.

    As I said, they have expanded the centre over the years and now have quite a comprehensive web site. I have just had a look and their is no mention of caravan facilities.

  • nelliethehooker
    nelliethehooker Club Member Posts: 13,636
    1000 Comments Name Dropper
    edited February 2021 #19

    I guess the only way to be sure if they've closed or not is to give them a phone call.

    I've just been through Maddie's list and some are not even listed in the new SD, and a couple are already marked as CL Closed.

  • CLMaddie
    CLMaddie Forum Participant Posts: 245
    100 Comments Photogenic
    edited March 2021 #20

    Hi All

    The please see below a list of sites which opened and closed in February.

    I have listed them by County, Listing town then CL site

    Sites opened in February.

     

    Sites closed in February

    • Anglesey - Benllech - Ty Mawr
    • Cornwall - Wadebridge - Norwood
    • Devon - Tiverton - Hillside Farm
    • Lincolnshire - Louth - Furze Farm Estate
    • Monmouthshire - Monmouth - The Tump
    • Norfolk - Swaffham - Mona Bungalow
    • North Yorkshire - Filey - Blakey House
    • North Yorkshire - Thirsk - Canvas Farm
    • Shropshire - Bishops Castle - The Lilac House

    Thanks

    Maddie

  • harryb
    harryb Forum Participant Posts: 1,536
    1000 Comments
    edited March 2021 #21

    Furze Farm in Louth only appears to be closed for building work. Their website states "Temporarily closed". and states that new individual washrooms/toilets are being built and looks to be working towards 21st May to reopen.It is sill showing it as a cl.

    So does it warrant a listing above under Sites Closed, which is not totally accurate if the site is just closed for a short period of redevelopment. Surely a not to that effect could have been made against their name.

  • DavidKlyne
    DavidKlyne Club Member Posts: 13,857 ✭✭✭
    5,000 Likes 1000 Comments Name Dropper Photogenic
    edited March 2021 #22

    Harry

    I thought Furze Farm were converting to a slightly larger campsite and would no longer operate as a CL?

    David

  • harryb
    harryb Forum Participant Posts: 1,536
    1000 Comments
    edited March 2021 #23

     

    Yes it looks like that. The web site shows a new site plan with a further 14 new pitches. It also says it welcomes CAMC members which it wouldn't do if it was still a cl. 

    The pricing structure shows an extra of £5 per night from Fri/Sun and a departure time of 10am

    I think that rules me out

    If these closures showed a reason then this could have save the confusion from the start

  • nelliethehooker
    nelliethehooker Club Member Posts: 13,636
    1000 Comments Name Dropper
    edited March 2021 #24

    Canvas Farm, Thirsk had a commercial site adjacent to it and we were last there, so I guess that it's now incorporated into that. Hillside Caravan Park has the same post code and directions as Canvas Farm.

    Nutley Farm, Dorchester appears to be an old CL that has reopened, as it has reviews from 2017 and 2018, and even Willow Ponds, Market Weighton, has reviews from last year.

  • CLMaddie
    CLMaddie Forum Participant Posts: 245
    100 Comments Photogenic
    edited April 2021 #25

    Hi All

    The please see below a list of sites which opened and closed in March.

    I have listed them by County, Listing town then CL site

    Sites opened in March. Please note, some of these sites were former CL sites that have decided to reopen.

     

    Sites closed in March

    • Kent - Dover - Court Lodge
    • Norfolk - North Walsham - Parrs Farm
    • Northumberland - Alnwick - Pippins Park
    • Northumberland - Bellingham - Chesterhope
    • Worcestershire - Worcester - Elgar's View


    Thanks

    Maddie

  • CLMaddie
    CLMaddie Forum Participant Posts: 245
    100 Comments Photogenic
    edited May 2021 #26

    Hi All

    The please see below a list of sites which opened and closed in April.

    I have listed them by County, Listing town then CL site

    Sites opened in April. Please note, some of these sites were former CL sites that have decided to reopen.

     

    Sites closed in April.

    • Derbyshire - Bakewell - Tagg Lane Dairy
    • Gloucestershire - Cheltenham - Home Farm
    • Somerset - Frome - May Cottage
    • Staffordshire - Tamworth - Bournebrook Farm

    Thanks

    Maddie

     

  • Wherenext
    Wherenext Club Member Posts: 10,586 ✭✭✭
    5,000 Likes 1000 Comments Name Dropper
    edited May 2021 #27

    Thanks once again Maddie.

    A few things strike me having looked at the sites, namely 

    1. Tagg Lane is still operating, presumably as an independent. Saw some caravans tyere when we passed a couple of weeks ago.

    2. Washingpool Farm. They're having a laugh, aren't they? £20 for a farm field, no EHU and pre booking. No information details about the area or site given at all. No chance. Seems they are not even interested.

    3. Anyone found May Cottage yet?

    4. 7 new Enhanced CLs. £20 min seems to be the norm here.

     

     

  • nelliethehooker
    nelliethehooker Club Member Posts: 13,636
    1000 Comments Name Dropper
    edited May 2021 #28

    Thanks again Maddie.

    It would appear that May Cottage closed in July 2020, but they do have a converted cattle shed you can rent!!wink

    Two of the site listed as new are in fact old sites that have reopened :- Wallthwaite, Troutbeck, Cumbria and Moss Cottage, Whitchurch, Shropshire.

    Agree about the price hike, wonder if the CC have again had a hand in suggesting those inflated prices.

     This is the link for Tagg Lane Dairy site if any one is interested ......https://www.tagglanedairy.com

     

  • Cherokee2015
    Cherokee2015 Forum Participant Posts: 392
    edited May 2021 #29

    Yes agree - I noticed that starting prices seem to £18 as the norm.  To be charitable I wonder if it’s due to an increase in energy prices but I think it’s more to do with CMC recommending higher prices.   I once asked about this as was categorically told that the CMC don’t do that 😉. Yeah right! 

  • CLMaddie
    CLMaddie Forum Participant Posts: 245
    100 Comments Photogenic
    edited June 2021 #30

    Hi All

    CLs are independent business who decide their nightly rates. 

    As with any business they do experience increases in prices for Electricity and other facilities and therefore may need to increase their own prices to cover this.

    The Caravan and Motorhome Club does not get any percentage of the CL's money and does not have any involvement in CL Owners choices to increase their prices.

    Thanks

    Maddie

  • nelliethehooker
    nelliethehooker Club Member Posts: 13,636
    1000 Comments Name Dropper
    edited June 2021 #31

    It wasn't the increase in prices that was being  questioned but the price that new CL's are charging, Maddie. The norm it seems  these days is in the region of £18, and that price must be suggested to the new owners by someone.