This post could equally be in the caravanning section but since we're motorhomers it's going here. We are not members of either of the big clubs but sometimes may want to use a CL or 5 van site (although some seem to have a lot more than 5 vans on them). We stayed on a C&CC site earlier this year kind of by accident (we didn't know it was a CL until the next day), they never asked us for any kind of membership card just took our home address for insurance purposes.
I know the idea of CL sites is something to do with planning application and having to be members of a club but how many stick to those rules?
Any folks here not members of the big clubs and used these small CL type sites ?
You were very lucky to find a CL or CS that would take a non-member as if they got caught out during an inspection by a club offical they could loose their Club licence and be removed from their directories, bringing all sorts of problems regarding their permissions and insurance cover that operating as part of a club brings.
What probably happened was they simply forgot to ask for your membership card when they booked you in, and if they had realised you were not a member they may have refused you access.
There may be some small non-club farm sites around that take non club members onto a 5 van type of site, it might be worth buying something like a Cade's campsite directory to search for these, but they will be the type of basic site that may not be suitable for larger units due to the access roads ect, and really more suited to tent campers with cars or on foot. We do know of a site like this in Norfolk, on a farm, takes five caravans, but blimey what a struggle it is to swing out of the field gateway and down a steep gradient into the narrow lane without grounding your rear corner steadies in doing so.
At least the club CLs and CS's are inspected for suitability before they are allowed to become part of their networks.
Julia
------------- Just love to be out amoungst Nature and Wildlife
Celebrating 37 years of Caravanning in 2019, Recently Considered Retiring, but Totally Addicted for Life!
Simple answer is you don't use CL or CS sites unless you are a member of either CC or CCC as to do so would be a contravention of the Exempted Site scheme and the owners would loose the exemption. You can however join before pitching on site as most will have a new member joining pack available. If you can't afford the £39 a year of which a proportion goes towards administering the CS and CL networks then I don't really know what to advise.
------------- 'A sure cure for sea-sickness is to sit under a tree'
Well that's pretty positive feedback then. As you say Julia maybe they just forgot to ask. The site by the way was equipped for at least 10 with the number of hookups they had.
Having a small motorhome access is usually not too much of a problem for us, we often use a camping site in the Lakes that you would simply not get a caravan on to, we just get our 6.5m Motorhome on.
I'm not sure how many would be bothered about being removed from listings but can imagine the insurance thing is important. When we're touring we usually pick an area then look for sites when we get there, hence the signage helps.
So what is the "Exempted Site Scheme" is that a legal thing or somthing the big clubs have put together?
I know one answer to rules that require a club membership of some sort is to allow temporary membership, this method is used in many areas such as sports clubs, not sure if it's ever been done for camping.
So bottom line is avoid, OK not a problem. The site we used this year was very pleasant but generally I've not had a good experience of the sort of people that run these sites at least at their larger places.
To be honest,although we're members,I can't recall ever being asked for our membership card when we've used CLs....
Isn't the "exempted site scheme" malarky something which enables the small(5 van) sites to get up and running without having to go through all of the usual planning type stuff..?
Tony..on the subject of "signage"...we've pulled up on several,of what we thought were C&CC sites,only to realise after they were nothing to do with them(..other than being listed in their book)..so don't just let a "C&CC" sign put you off...
Only ever been asked for my membership once when using CL's/CS's. Im sure 'rules is rules' with the big clubs, but if someone enquires about a pitch on a half-empty five vanner in the middle of nowhere, there arent too many farmer types going to hold a committee meeting on whether they are going to accept your brass or not.
For the folk who want to stick to the rules, there are plenty five van sites not affiliated to either of the two 'money grabbing' clubs, that often offer the same facilities.
As pepe63 says, the exemption scheme is a way of getting a 5 van site. You don't need planning permission but do have to be affiliated to one of the clubs as it is they who are licenced to administer the scheme on behalf of government/local authorities - it is the club which licences the site. There have been talks in the past of increasing it to 8 pitches.
If the clubs are not seen to be administering the scheme properly their exemption could be revoked so it is important to observe the 5 van rule.
Out of interest land can be used for non-agricultural activities for 28 days per year without the need for planning permission - I know of some campsites in the Lakes which only open for the month of August on this basis.
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: Non member use of CL`s etc
