I raise this issue not only because today is the anniversary of the 1953 disaster but also because there is now a push to allow caravan parks to be open and occupied 12 months of the year. I can fully understand why people who own caravans and also the caravan parks would wish to see this happen. I also understand the economic arguments for allowing it to happen. The wishes and the arguments need to be set against the issue of safety of the caravan occupants.
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| Caravans during the 1953 flood. |
In the event of a serious inundation, caravans become flotsam and jetsam. Large metal boxes that are at the mercy of the onrushing waters. A flooding tide moves at incredible speed and caravans stand little to no chance of being stable even if chained down.
The caravan parks we have are not residential, they are holiday parks. Any residential park would already be allowed to have people on them 12 months of the year. None of the holiday parks would have received planning permission if they had originally applied for residential status. Why? It was not deemed safe to do so and still isn't under planning legislation.
It is for that reason that those wanting to see caravan parks open for 12 months of the year in the flood zone have a forlorn hope. The Environment Agency will not let it happen and would oppose any move for it to do so.
It is a real pity that is the case but in my view there is not good enough reasons to put people at risk.
I think the issue has been clouded the push was for parity across all sites with Mar-Jan opening for all, not 12mths
ReplyDeleteI take it you are talking about the petition? I can assure you that there is a strong opinion amongst many caravan owners and site owners to have the sites open 12 months of the year.
DeleteCould the Emergency services cope with a disaster on the East coast in this day and age with the Butchery of our services from this failing Tory government in power at this present time???.
ReplyDeleteI doubt it because the Tories are determined to sink this country,no pun intended.
ReplyDeleteThe flood of 1953 was deemed to be a once in 200 year event. At worst this means that we are safe for at least the next 137 years. Research has not indicated a catastrophic flood prior to 1953, having searched as far back as the 18th century. In 1953 things such as mobile phones and the internet were things of fantasy, today they're as common as coffee mugs. In 1953 most people travelling to the coast relied on public or organised mass transport; trains or coaches. Today the vast majority of visitors own at least 1 car. In 1953 television was still in its infancy where only the privelidged owned 1 set in their house. Today I'd be surprised if I found a caravan without at least 1 tv set. My point? People are much more mobile these days, and much better informed. While the threat of a flood may be questionable, the passing of information is now almost instant, giving locals and visitors alike a much better chance of making an informed decision whether to evacuate or not
ReplyDeleteI would fully agree with all that you say. The big problem is that neither the national planning regulations nor the Environment Agency would agree with you. I think the view is that there would be more people at risk if the number of caravans that were allowed 12 months occupancy was to be increased. There is nothing that I would like more than for the coast around here to be allowed to develop but it will take a very brave man to allow that to happen while the risk of flooding remains. Thanks for your comment it has added greatly. Steve.
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