Research Service,  National Assembly for Wales, Cardiff, CF99 1NA

Thank you for the opportunity to respond to the measure of extending caravan site opening periods from 10 months to 12 months, i.e. throughout the year.

1. Firstly, I would like to say that having discussed the matter locally, the Community Council and many organisations are worried about these sites being open for 12 months, and wholly reject this change for many reasons.  A similar application was approved recently, despite considerable local opposition.

2. There are over 4,000 caravans in this area, and gradually, many sites in the area have been allowed to stay open for 12 months. 

3. Owing to the serious financial situation facing Local Government, it will be unable to provide a monitoring service for these sites.

4. The intention would contradict TAN 20 which allows for the interests and needs of the Welsh language to be taken into consideration.

5. Lack of monitoring will open the door to permanent provision, therefore undermining Policy CH4, and it could extend to affordable housing, because of the high standard of the caravans.

6. It will put council services under further pressure, such as social services and highways, as well as the area's health, Police and emergency services.

The above comments come from many areas here in Eifionydd, in the hope that this research will confirm that there should be no 12 month opening period.

With thanks, and I look forward to your response. You are welcome to contact me if you need to discuss anything further.

Yours faithfully

Aled Evans, Councillor for Llanystumdwy ward