Issue - meetings

Report by Economic Growth Officer

The Group considered a report detailing the latest position in relation to informal camping, specifically the setting up a Short Life Working Group in response to the rise in informal camping activity across Argyll and Bute and associated arising issues.

Discussion focussed on how education and prevention of irresponsible camping behaviour was required yet residents and businesses in Oban area want to welcome people by improving facilities so that visitors have a positive experience.  The Group noted that Argyll and Bute Council were conducting a Motorhome and Informal Camping Survey which can be found on their website - Motorhome and Informal Camping Survey (argyll-bute.gov.uk)

Decision

The Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Community Planning Group:

1.    noted the contents of the report and progress to date;

2.    agreed to continue to collaborate to attempt to address the challenges faced due to increased informal camping activity;

3.    noted that work would progress on actions identified from the Short Life Working Group; and

4.    noted that in the absence of an officer from Economic Growth the Committee Manager would take back any questions to the service and circulate any responses to the Group.

(Reference: Report by Economic Growth Officer, Argyll and Bute Council, dated 17 February 2021, submitted)

Report by Economic Growth Officer, Argyll and Bute Council

The Group considered a report which provided an update on the latest position in relation to informal camping, following the setting up a Short Life Working Group in response to the rise in informal camping activity across Argyll and Bute and associated arising issues.

Angela Anderson asked that the following comment was brought to the attention of the Economic Growth Officer, alongside her contact details:

“There is a need and opportunity for facilities for camping and vans. There needs to be easy access to disposal of waste and rubbish. In Europe and especially in France, where camper sized vans are not permitted in villages Aires have parking, waste disposal, water, and rubbish facilities for a fee and time limited to 24 or 48 hours and shorter times for visits. Also there is likely to be safe walking and cycling routes to villages. Full camping, tents and vans are in very short supply in Scotland. In Europe these are often run by local or community authorities and are revenue generating. People are willing to pay for a safe space with showers toilets disposal and water.”

Decision

The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group:

1. noted the contents of the report and progress to date;
2. agreed to continue to collaborate to attempt to address the challenges faced due to increased informal camping activity;
3. noted that work would progress on actions identified from the Short Life Working Group; and
4. noted that in the absence of the Economic Growth Officer, any questions would be fed back to them and any responses circulated to the Group.

(Reference: Report by Economic Growth Officer, Argyll and Bute Council, dated 11 February 2021, submitted)

Report by Economic Growth Officer, Argyll and Bute Council

The Group considered a report which provided an update on the latest position in relation to informal camping, following the setting up a Short Life Working Group in response to the rise in informal camping activity across Argyll and Bute and associated arising issues.

Councillor Horn advised that a report on Informal Camping had previously been requested to come to the Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Committee in December 2020 and requested clarification on when the report would be brought to a meeting of the Area Committee due to the very important nature of the issues and likelihood that these issues would continue throughout 2021. The Committee Manager confirmed that a report on this issue was expected to come to the March 2021 Area Committee.

Rachel Whyte confirmed that informal camping activity continued to be a high priority for Islay Community Council and advised that they were keen to be involved in the consultations around this, with a view to action being taken imminently.

Decision

The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group:

1.    noted the contents of the report and progress to date;

2.    agreed to continue to collaborate to attempt to address the challenges faced due to increased informal camping activity;

3.    noted that work would progress on actions identified from the Short Life Working Group; and

4.    noted that in the absence of the Economic Growth Officer the Committee Manager would take back any questions and circulate any responses to the Group.

(Reference: Report by Economic Growth Officer, Argyll and Bute Council, dated 3 February 2021, submitted)