Issue - meetings

Report by Head of Development and Economic Growth, Argyll and Bute Council

The Group considered a report which provided a brief update on campervan, motorhome and staycation activity in Argyll and Bute.

Decision

The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group agreed:

1. to note the contents of the paper and progress to date; and
2. that partners would continue to collaborate to try and address the challenges faced due to increased informal camping activity.

(Reference: Report by Head of Development and Economic Growth, Argyll and Bute Council, dated 20^th May 2021, submitted)

Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Development and Economic Growth

The Group considered a report on the opportunities and challenges in relation to informal camping.

Decision

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

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

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

3.         noted that in absence of an officer the Committee Manager would take back any questions to the relevant officer and circulate any responses to the Group.

(Reference: Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Development and Economic Growth, dated 12 May 2021, submitted)

Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Development and Economic Growth

The Group considered a report on the opportunities and challenges in relation to informal camping.

Decision

The Bute and Cowal Area Community Planning Group;

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

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

3.    noted that in absence of an officer the Committee Manager would take back any questions to the relevant officer and circulate any responses to the Group.

(Reference: Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Development and Economic Growth, dated 4 May 2021, submitted)

Report by Head of Development and Economic Growth, Argyll and Bute Council

The Group considered a report which provided a brief update on campervan, motorhome and staycation activity in Argyll and Bute.

A number of partners in attendance expressed concerns that there was no officer in attendance to speak to the report and answer any questions, particularly in light of the recent easing of lockdown restrictions.

Councillor Armour suggested that it could be beneficial for the Council to encourage those with campervans to use recognised camp sites with facilities, as opposed to setting up standalone sites, for at least one night of their stay.

Rachel Whyte expressed concerns around the effectiveness of the planned use of enforcement wardens on the islands. Councillor Horn reiterated this concern due to the amount of time spent travelling likely resulting in a very limited working day on the islands for required enforcement. Councillor Horn also noted concerns around human waste and litter being left indiscriminately by some of those using motorhomes and wild camping.

Hazel Fuller requested clarification as to whether campervans or motorhomes using passing places to park in would be in breach of the law. Discussion took place around this and Inspector Collins confirmed that he would believe this to be the case and that this could be reported to the Police

It was suggested that it would be beneficial if the Council were to prepare a strategy which could be used as a point of reference for both the Council and other organisations.

Rachel advised that it may be useful for Enforcement Wardens to utilise their time when travelling on ferries to provide education to those travelling to the island around available facilities and behaviour expected when visiting the island. Rachel also noted that it may be beneficial to have some literature detailing this information available on the local ferries.

Councillor Armour suggested that it may be helpful for Islay Community Council to produce some form of leaflet which could be placed on the ferries or handed out to campervans when they arrived on the island, Rachel agreed to raise this with the rest of the Islay Community Councillors as a possible action.

Decision

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

1. to note the contents of the paper and progress to date;
2. that partners would continue to collaborate to try and address the challenges faced due to increased informal camping activity; and
3. that the Committee Manager would feedback queries and comments raised to the Head of Development and Economic Growth and circulate any responses to the Group.

(Reference: Report by Head of Development and Economic Growth, Argyll and Bute Council, dated 28^th April 2021, submitted)