Stuart Bellerby, Senior Commercial Manager, introduced a report which sought agreement on a set of key principles, business model options and a process for determining sites for the Council to develop leisure vehicle provision across Wirral.  This followed concerns about the amount of overnight parking by motorhomes in coastal areas around New Brighton and a scrutiny review which had recommended establishing a managed site. There was evidence of a growing leisure vehicle market and commercial opportunities, potentially with a variety of sites with different business models.

Members discussed the report and options, with deterrents for people avoiding the sites, but the secondary spend and increases in people staying in this country for holidays would provide opportunities for increased visitors and potential revenue for the Council and local businesses.

Resolved – That

(1)  the vision and the 4 key principles for the Council to develop leisure vehicle provision across Wirral as set out in Appendix 1 of the report be approved.

(2)  the range of business model options for consideration for leisure vehicle provision in Appendix 1 of the report be approved.

(3)  the review process for determining the proposed leisure vehicle sites for development outlined in Appendix 1 of the report be approved.

(4)  a member workshop be established, in order to review potential sites for leisure vehicle provision against an agreed list of business model options and types of provision, and then ultimately make recommendations back to a future Tourism, Communities, Culture and Leisure Committee.