Issue - meetings

To consider a recommendation from Cabinet to include the proposed caravan site project within the approved Capital Programme.

Further to Minute No. 68 of the meeting of the Cabinet and Commissioners held on 13^th November, 2017 consideration was given to the report which detailed outline proposals for a new caravan site at Rother Valley Country Park following assessment of its business potential and an opportunity to generate revenue and which would further enhance Rotherham’s reputation as a welcoming and enjoyable visitor destination. 

Ward Members were in full support of the proposals for development as this would not only bring visitors into Rotherham, but create and support business enrichment in the local economy.

Resolved:-  That the Rother Valley Country Park Caravan Site project be included within the approved Capital Programme as an invest-to-save initiative.

Mover:-  Councillor Read                       Seconder:-  Councillor Lelliott

Report of the Strategic Director of Regeneration and Environment

(Exempt Appendices)

Cabinet Member:     Councillor Yasseen

Commissioner:         Kenny (in advisory role)

Recommendations:

1.    That Council be recommended to include the Rother Valley Country Park Caravan Site project within the approved Capital Programme as an invest-to-save initiative.

2.    That the project be developed further in accordance with the preferred options detailed in the report, including obtaining planning and any other required permissions, and obtaining tender prices for construction of a caravan site with additional pitches for tents, both with and without an optional second toilet and shower block.

3.    That, following receipt, tenders be evaluated to identify which option is most economically advantageous and, following consultation with the Cabinet Member, the preferred contractor to build the caravan site be appointed.

Consideration was given to the report which detailed the extensive work that had been undertaken to develop outline proposals for a new caravan site at Rother Valley Country Park and to assess its business potential. 

Financial projections suggested that such a development could enable the park to generate a significant net revenue stream for the Council, particularly if it were operational by the time that Gullivers opened in 2019.  It would also improve greatly the availability of affordable overnight accommodation in Rotherham, and enhance Rotherham’s reputation as a welcoming and enjoyable visitor destination. 

Operating cost estimates were based on trade data and, where appropriate, experience gained from operating similar facilities elsewhere in the park.  All such costs, including any additional staff required, would be met entirely from caravan site income. The modelling indicated that the proposed caravan park would generate profits to support the Council’s wider revenue budget. 

It would meet Gulliver’s requirement for a caravan site within the vicinity of their major new visitor attraction on the adjacent Pithouse West site.

Cabinet Members welcomed this proposal and the enhancement this would bring to the borough and the value to the economy.

Resolved:-  (1)  That Council include Rother Valley Country Park Caravan Site project within the approved Capital Programme as an invest-to-save initiative.

(2)  That the project be developed further in accordance with the preferred options detailed in the report, including obtaining planning and any other required permissions, and obtaining tender prices for construction of a caravan site with additional pitches for tents, both with and without an optional second toilet and shower block.

(3)  That, following receipt, tenders be evaluated to identify which option was most economically advantageous and, following consultation with the Cabinet Member, the preferred contractor to build the caravan site be appointed.