Question reference: S5W-29469
- Asked by: Oliver Mundell, MSP for Dumfriesshire, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
- Date lodged: 28 May 2020
-
Current status: Answered by Fergus Ewing on 12 June 2020
Question
To ask the Scottish Government what its response is to the proposals from representatives of caravan park owners regarding the safe re-opening of sites, which have been closed because of the COVID-19 outbreak.
Answer
The Scottish Government fully recognises the value to our visitor economy of the holiday and caravan park sector and continues to engage with it through the relevant industry associations, including the British Holiday & Home Parks Association (BH&HPA).
On 10 June, the Scottish Government announced its proposals for a provisional timeframe of the week of 15 July for the opening of the tourism and hospitality sector, including caravan park owners, in line with Phase 3 of the Route-map. This reopening is conditional on the scientific and public health evidence supporting the move at the time. The BH&HPA have played a part in its development, as well as developing their own, sector specific guidance that will align to the wider guidance.
To aid the sector and its customers, the Minister for Local Government, Housing and Planning and the Chief Planner jointly wrote to local authorities allowing for and encouraging temporary relaxations in planning measures and to apply discretion in granting licenses, including the closed periods for holiday parks.