Moray Council to launch consultation into overnight stay scheme for motorhomes and campervans
Moray Council has agreed to launch a consultation into a proposed scheme which could allow campervans and motorhomes to stay overnight at designated locations across the region for a nominal fee.
There are currently no authorised locations for overnight stays on council land in Moray.
Under the proposed scheme, however, motorhomes and campervans could stay overnight for a fee of £7.
A one night stay limit will be in place and they will only be allowed to stop at designated locations.
A report, which was discussed at a meeting of the council’s Economic Development and Infrastructure Services Committee today (February 4), identified 10 provisional locations for the scheme across Moray.
That included sites in Cullen, Buckie, Portgordon, Lossiemouth, Burghead, Forres, Ballindalloch, Aberlour and Craigellachie.
Council officers said the potential locations listed in the report were selected to give a “geographical spread” and that the consultation would offer an opportunity to discuss the suitability of the sites.
Nicola Moss, Head of Environmental and Commercial Services at Moray Council, said: “We get enquiries about this (motorhome overnight stays) on a regular basis in equal and opposite measure.
“We have questions over why campervans are here and other questions on where they can park.
“This is an opportunity to take it one step at a time and move to a point where we can say this is suitable and this is where it isn’t.”
Councillor John Stuart (Buckie, Independent) said he was “broadly in support” of the scheme but stressed the importance of holding a consultation.
He said: “The scheme limits stress and limits damage to infrastructure and saves motorhomes using laybys or grass verges to park up.
“We need to identify a policy position on this as motorhomes are here.
“A consultation is the way to do this.”
Councillor Draeyk van der Horn (Forres, Green) raised concerns, primarily over the selection of Califer Hill Viewpoint in Forres as one of the potential locations for the scheme.
Cllr van der Horn said: “Why is this being considered?
“Califer Point has a single narrow road leading up to it. Has consideration been taken for passing places?
“There are memorial benches there and campervans can be rowdy.
“There are a lot of concerns.”
Concerns were also raised regarding the “policing” of the scheme as officers revealed it will operate on “goodwill” initially.
Cllr van der Horn added: “There is no indication as to what this consultation will look like.
“That’s my first concern. My other concern is the mention of “significant economic benefits” in the report. What are they?
“How is this going to be policed?
“Goodwill does not guarantee returns.”
Cllr van der Horn, who described the paper as premature, put forward a motion not to move the paper forward which was seconded by Councillor Sandy Keith (Elgin North, Labour).
However, the motion failed with councillors voting seven to six against.