Ultimatum for caravan owners ahead of site revamp

The Southwold Camping and Caravan Site currently has 140 caravan plots, but this could be reduced and lodges could be introduced

Owners of caravans in a poor condition have been advised they may have to buy a new one if they wish to remain on a campsite earmarked for redevelopment.

On Tuesday, East Suffolk Council's cabinet members unanimously agreed to push forward with a project which will rejuvenate the Southwold Camping and Caravan Site, in Ferry Road.

The number of static caravan spaces could be reduced, while the yearly licence fee may increase from £2,791 to £4,500.

Deputy council leader Paul Ashton said the work was required because the site was "dated" and its "profitability" needed improving.

But while the work is carried out - expected between December 2026 and April 2027 – owners' static caravans will have to be removed.

"We want to avoid having old and extremely poor condition caravans on our site and there are some caravans on that site that cannot be moved because [of their age]," said Ashton, a Liberal Democrat.

"So, there will be a decision point for those owners: do they want to get a new caravan and come back when the work is done or is that the point they choose to leave us?

"You could make an argument that the people of East Suffolk are subsidising quite cheap holidays for the caravan owners at the moment."

Diane Perry-Yates, chairwoman of Southwold Caravan Owners Association (SCOA), said the uncertainty surrounding the future of the site had left peopl "distressed"

The comments made by Ashton, who said the council did "not want to be an aggressive caravan site owner", have not gone down well with some people.

Diane Perry-Yates, chairwoman of the Southwold Caravan Owners Association, said: "He was very cavalier about it.

"Caravan owners feel unfairly portrayed as subsidised or neglectful. But, the council has long had the powers and responsibility to manage and maintain the site properly.

"These misleading claims undermine confidence in the consultation process and in the council's ability to treat existing owners fairly during the redevelopment."

The park, which does not provide users with water, electricity or sewage, has about 13 acres of operational land within Southwold Harbour.

It includes 140 static caravan spaces, as well as 107 touring caravan and tent pitches.

Caravan owners currently agree to an annual arrangement but, under the new proposals, they will be subject to a 10-year licence, costing £4,500 per year.

The redevelopment is expected to cost between £4.5m and £6.5m over five years.

But the improvements mean it will generate up to £820,000 in annual profit, the council says.

'Valuable asset'

The finer details are yet to be decided, but the council said it would "consistently engage with caravan owners".

"We are now seeking to progress the project which will determine the best mix of lodges and caravans as well as the financial viability and deliverability of any scheme," a spokesperson said.

The council added that an independent report previously indicated that the entire Southwold Harbour site required considerable investment, "without which there is a genuine threat to its continued viability as a working environment and popular landmark".

"Proposals to greatly improve the caravan and camping site would see any income ring fenced for further investment in the harbour to safeguard the future of this valuable and important asset," the spokesperson added.