Covid-19 predicted to drive demand for more motorhome holidays in Northumberland

The prediction was made at a meeting of Beadnell Parish Council where councillors were discussing a planned expansion of a local caravan park.

Lindisfarne Homes Limited SSAS, which own the land operated by the Camping & Caravanning Club at Beadnell Bay, believes its plans could help to meet some of that demand.

A letter from the applicant’s agent stated: ‘The proposals would help to support the business and meet the growing demand of UK-based low-impact holidays with the scheme seeking to accommodate slight increases in seasonal demand.

"The proposals would provide aires within the site for the stationing of motorhomes in direct response to the growing concerns along the coast about inconsiderate parking of motorhomes and improper use of public car parks as highlighted in numerous recent articles in the Northumberland Gazette and in response to the recent calls for sites by the Northumberland Coast AONB Partnership."

The high volume of post-lockdown visitors last summer led to Northumberland County Council staging a coastal summit of key stakeholders at which there were calls for more seasonal parking and campervan facilities.

Coastal hotspots including Bamburgh, Seahouses, Beadnell, Craster, Boulmer, Alnmouth and Amble were among those which reported tourism-related issues.

Beadnell parish councillors have objected to the proposed campsite expansion but also acknowledge the likely increase in visitors to the Northumberland coast.

Cllr Michael Dawson said: “I still think that site needs to be expanded.

"The DVLA figures for 2020 show registrations of motorhomes up 71% on the previous year and, in August, up 41% and that’s with the uncertainty of lockdowns and the economy.

"I think it’s on the back of lots of people looking at staycations so whether we like it or not, it’s a fact these motorhomes are coming.

"There are people within the motorhome community who are ‘wild campervanners’ who don’t go to sites as such. They will stop by the side of the road or in ‘friendly’ pub car parks.

“That community of ‘wild campervanners’ are very responsible and they leave nothing behind but I think a lack of sites managed by professional companies will increase the number of people getting into wilderness campervanning and some of those will not be as responsible.”

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