Permanent Residents in Resorts

An interesting point of contention exists between campers, resort owners and the opinion of the Assessors appointed by the Tourism Grading Council. That is - permanent residents living in caravans in resorts on a semi or permanent basis. Numerous resorts also accept contractors requiring temporary accommodation in their caravan or tent due to employment needs in or near the resort. This is also a means of much needed income for the resort owner during the quieter months.

It was agreed upon by the working group when the grading criteria was established, that if a park relied mainly on permanent residents or contractors, in other words, catered mainly for this sector and this is the resort's main core business, the resort will not qualify for star grading. If the resort has a totally separate section well screened and this is away from transient guests (holiday makers) for permanents/contractors and the permanents/contractors have their own exclusive ablution facilities, then the resort will qualify for grading. Alternatively, should there only be a sprinkling of permanent residents (living in caravans with side tent) and these permanents are set-up so as not to detract from the general ambience of the resort, the resort will then qualify for grading. These permanent residents living in caravans with side tent must not look like squatters at all! These permanents preferably should be housed in a section of the resort set aside for them, ideally with their own ablution facilities! Contractors, providing they are set-up with their caravan as if they are transient guests, and there is no evidence of building equipment or machinery or “army type tents” on or near their sites, will be acceptable. The resort must appear to be just what it is – a resort and not an army barracks or squatter township!

If the permanent residents are incorporated within the park, the permanent residents' caravans and areas around their caravans must be neat and tidy, and the caravans must be well maintained. Gardens must be weed free, neat and tidy. There must not be any unsightly structures affixed to or covering the caravan. Flysheets / sunscreens over the caravans must be of an extremely high standard and must be professionally fitted. The use of walls, fences or hedges is acceptable between or surrounding the permanent resident caravans, but must be of an acceptable condition and state of repair, and must blend in with the surroundings. The spacing between each unit must be sufficient so as not to pose a fire risk to the neighboring unit. All supports/trestles of the units must be rust free, and areas beneath the vans must be litter and clutter free. Rusty “A” frames, unsightly TV aerials etc. will not be acceptable. All paving and pathways leading to and around the units must be in good condition and weed free.

Power, water, drainage and sewerage connections to permanent caravans are, by their very nature, very unsightly however carefully installed, so some form of neat and professionally installed screening should be put up. There must not be any signs of long runs of drainage pipe work or electrical power cables visible. Efforts must be made to conceal gas bottles if used in the units.