Overdevelopment concerns at Herm’s Seagull campsite

The island has about 120 pitch holders at Seagull Campsite, paying around £1,500 a year for a 10m square spot.

Campers were originally allowed to install sheds to store gear overwinter, but in recent years these have become more elaborate.

Herm leaseholder John Singer has now written to pitch-holders inviting them to a meeting tomorrow at the Mermaid Tavern.

‘I appreciate that this may not come as welcome news, however our initial concerns that allowing sheds would be the thin end of the wedge appears to be coming true,’ he wrote. ‘It’s important that the natural beauty of Herm is preserved and as it stands the campsite seems to be moving in a direction that detracts from that overriding principle.’

One camper said that things on the island were getting a little ridiculous.

‘People have solar panels for their wifi. It has gone past camping and even “glamping”,’ she said. ‘People have installed full-blown kitchens in their sheds with freezers and cabinets, and a full astroturf plot.’

A States Property Unit spokesman confirmed it was approached by Herm management about the use of more permanent structures within the Herm campsite.

Under the terms of the lease, development on the island is not permitted.

‘Preserving Herm’s natural beauty is important and relates to a 1946 States resolution, which sought to ensure that the natural beauty of the island continues to be preserved,’ he said.

‘While the day-to-day campsite rules are a matter for Herm management, any material alterations and development need to be requested by Herm in advance.’

The States has previously agreed with Herm that small garden sheds could be used for overwinter storage of camping equipment.

‘However, the extent of recent alterations and additions are at risk of detracting from the 1946 resolution, and the preservation of the natural environment,’ the spokesman said.

A set of guidelines has now been agreed with Herm.

In a letter from the States to Mr Singer, shared with campers, the surveyor questioned whether storage sheds complied with the governing principle of the lease.

‘I have to say we are disappointed with the way the campsite has changed over time,’ it said.

‘And in particular the use of sheds and fencing, making it, in our view overdeveloped.’

It said it wanted to see fences ‘discouraged or eliminated in entirety’ and was ‘not supportive of the use of astroturf’.

The States said it would prefer items for storage to be put into watertight boxes at the end of the season and wrapped in a tarpaulin, on pallets, but would ‘albeit with some reluctance’ accept sheds on larger plots.

Mr Singer said it made sense to use the sheds, as tarpaulins can blow away and rats can get under them.

‘But we need to draw a line in the sand regarding size, as if we continue we will end up as a chalet site rather than a camping site,’ he said.

‘But we need clarity on where that line in the sand should be which is why we have organised the meeting.’

Planners have made specific reference to a ‘large summer house’ erected on a named plot.

‘While Herm is not subject to the planning law, as you know we use it for guidance. On that basis it is our position that this should be removed.’