Aires (Motorhome Stopover) Grant
Introduction
With a rise in the number of motorhomes coming to Dumfries and Galloway in recent years, there has been an increased interest in the provision of Aires. Dumfries and Galloway Council recognises the demand from motorhome owners for small, simple and low-cost stopovers that can complement the full service offer available from caravan and camping sites. Aires are also an opportunity to create a bit of extra income for community organisations or private landowners.
Aires Support Grant
Dumfries and Galloway Council are offering a grant to support the launch of new Aires across the region. The grant may pay up to 100% of costs associated with creating or improving an Aires site up to a maximum of £3,000 per site. The grant can contribute to expenses such as signage, site markings, site improvements, web design, black and grey water disposal, and lighting. Grant applications will be judged on the addition of new facilities and value for money.
If you are interested, then send an email to dumgal@bgateway.com
How do I set up a Motorhome Stopover?
If your site is not already a campsite or car park then you can apply to become a Certified Location through organisations such as CAMPRA. Certified Locations can park up to 5 motorhomes without needing planning permission. You will need planning permission if you wish to park more than 5 motorhomes even if you become a Certified Location. If you need planning advice, please visit Planning advice and enquiries – Dumfries and Galloway Council (dumgal.gov.uk) for further information.
- Ensure that your site has space for at least three motorhomes with at least 4 metres between them. Motorhomes normally have gas tanks on board, and these can pose a fire risk. In the day when everyone’s awake, you can respond quickly to a fire, but if sleeping, you will need more time to wake up and evacuate a vehicle. A 4m space between units will help give everyone those extra few minutes and could save lives.
- Ensure there is safe access to your site from the road and that none of the motorhomes will be parked on any part of the road.
- Set a price per night. We would recommend somewhere between £5-10. You can collect the money through a Paypal business account that will give customers a QR code to pay or with an honesty box for cash. You will need to display the price per night at the site.
- Find your site location on https://what3words.com and display it to your visitors to enable them to accurately direct the emergency services if the need arises.
- Promote your stopover on websites such as Park4night or Scotland Starts Here.