New by-laws proposed in Port Erin governing caravans have provoked public opposition.

Under the changes, members of the public could no longer reside in a ’movable dwelling’ - such as a caravan, van and tent - in a public place in the village without written consent from the local authority.

Similar rules are already in place for local authorities such as Braddan, Ramsey, Douglas and Onchan.

The board is updating its by-laws for the first time since 1991, due to what it calls ’growth and changes’ within the seaside village.

In addition to caravans, new rules also govern artificial light and bird feeding.

Anyone who breaks one of the by-laws could be fined up to £2,500.

At a recent meeting, Port Erin Commissioners’ clerk Jason Roberts said there had been 305 responses, 88% of them were opposed to changes.

Thirty-seven per cent of respondents agreed the by-laws covered the correct aspects.

Godfrey Egee suggested there be a limit on the number of days a caravan could park.

Chairman Nick Watterson worried about the byelaws being ’prescriptive’.

Phil Crellin said one caravan was in the village for six weeks

Mr Roberts pointed out: ’If someone wanted to pitch a tent on the broughs, we have no powers (to do anything).’

Barbara Guy said: ’We want to encourage people to Port Erin.’

They were ’protecting the integrity of the village and ratepayers,’ said Mr Watterson. ’We should not be running scared (of negative comments).’

Steve George asked: ’What’s the use of consultation?’

Mr Watterson said they ’take valid points (from comments) â?¦ they (byelaws) are to make sure we have control over what we can and cannot do.’

Mr Egee said the problem is the ’terminology. They think they cannot park overnight.’

’At the moment there is nothing to stop people from parking a camper van outside your house,’ said Mr Crellin.

Mr Roberts asked, for example, what happens to camper vans parked outside the former marine biological station once it’s developed, ’where are they going to go?’

Mr Egee said: ’It’s the way it’s worded.’

The issue is ’the definition of what is permanent,’ said Mr Crellin.

Mrs Guy added the term ’residential area is a bit woolly.’

Mr Roberts said: ’It does not say camper vans are banned.’

Mr Egee suggestd they ’revisit the wording.’

’We have to make sure it’s enforceable,’ said Mr Roberts. ’The department has gone through the wording.’

They agreed to clarify the wording.