Motorhome and campervan plans face scrutiny at coastal site as residents slam move - 'We don't want it here'

Hemma Visavadia
Sat, 25 Apr 2026 12:25:32 +0000

A new motorhome and campervan parking plan in north Wales has sparked a strong backlash from residents who say it will damage a valued seafront green space.

Denbighshire County Council is pressing ahead with its "Motorhome Aire" scheme, which would create six new overnight parking sites for campervans and motorhomes across the county, including in Rhyl.

The council explained that the move is needed to deal with rising numbers of motorhome users and problems linked to what it calls "illegal camping" in popular coastal areas.

But the plan for Marine Drive (East Parade) in Rhyl has triggered the strongest opposition locally from residents who warned the new parking plan could impact the area.

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Residents warned that the site is an important open space used by families, dog walkers and the wider community, and should not be turned into a parking area.

A resident who lives on Marine Drive said the land is a vital part of the local environment. He described it as "a wonderful buffer between the sea and the housing district of Rhyl".

He told the BBC: "We don't want it here. It is a public open space. It is green fields, it is where people play, it is where they walk their dogs."

But locals also argued the area is not suitable for commercial-style use and say it should remain protected as a public amenity rather than being converted for visitor parking.

Concerns have also been raised about the impact on sea views and the character of the seafront as well as anti-social behaviour being drawn to the area.

Councillor Brian Jones said there are better alternatives nearby and warned the plan could have lasting visual damage.

He said: "There are better places on the promenade to put it, for example, the Quay Street car park. If you put a motorhome park there, you'll impair the beautiful sea view that residents and visitors currently enjoy."

Despite the opposition, the council said the wider scheme is designed to provide controlled, short-stay facilities for motorhome users while reducing unauthorised overnight stays.

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Under the proposals, motorhome parking would be limited to "short stay two nights maximum" sites with basic facilities such as fresh water and waste disposal.

The council also detailed how the sites are intended to reduce environmental pressure caused by "illegal camping" and to better manage visitor demand in popular tourist areas.

A council document outlining the scheme states the project aims to provide "safe and secure overnight parking" and support tourism in the county.

It also detailed how users will have access to essential services such as water refilling and waste disposal, but strict rules will apply.

These include bans on tents, BBQs, fires and awnings, with the sites described as "basic, hardstanding areas purely for short stay use only".

The authority said the scheme will be funded through Welsh Government and UK Government programmes aimed at improving visitor infrastructure and supporting local tourism.

Paul Jackson, head of highways and environmental services, said motorhome use has increased significantly in recent years.

He said: "We know that the use of motorhomes has increased, especially since the Covid-19 pandemic, where everybody took on staycations in the UK."

He added that the project would provide "a fantastic boost for tourism and businesses where these sites are located once they come online".

The full list of proposed sites includes locations in Rhyl, Prestatyn, Ruthin, Corwen and Llangollen, with Marine Drive among the most controversial.