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Original poster

Living in a caravan parked on your drive during renovations - has anyone ever done this?

18 replies

BrightGoldenHazeintheMeadow · 30/11/2021 15:01

We're considering living in a caravan parked on our drive during renovations to our house. I called the local council to enquire about doing this. They don't seem to know. I've finally been advise to apply for a certificate of lawfulness. Has anyone ever had to do this and if so can I ask what the outcome was? Thank you.

OP posts:
Nittersing · 30/11/2021 15:19

I have no firsthand information for you but there's a whole t.v. series covering this called "Grand Designs".
From what I've seen it seems to be legal but...

  1. You'll probably be in the caravan longer than you planned.
  2. You may have an extra child/pregnancy while in the caravan.
  3. Winter is coming and you'll definitely have issues with heating and water.
😄 Best of luck, I'm sure it will be amazing when it's all finished.
bonfireheart · 30/11/2021 15:24

Depends on your situation OP. How fit and healthy are you? Do you have kids? How warm is caravan? What about showers and toilet, are they OK in caravan?

rhowton · 30/11/2021 16:21

My parents put a mobile home on their drive when they had work done but it was April-August so it wasnt cold. It would have been pretty miserable had it have been Nov-March.

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CaptainHammer · 30/11/2021 16:30

Alan Partridge?

mdh2020 · 30/11/2021 16:37

Someone in our family did this and it didn’t go down well with the neighbours.

Original poster
BrightGoldenHazeintheMeadow · 01/12/2021 05:58

Thanks very much for your replies.

OP posts:
Ifailed · 01/12/2021 06:23

if you live in a caravan you may need planning permission.

CovoidOfAllHumanity · 01/12/2021 06:36

We rented an air bnb round the corner instead. There was a discount for a longer let and off season and in the scheme of what the renovations cost it didn't add much extra. I can see that if you own a caravan already that might be an attractive option but I wouldn't be buying one.

CloudPop · 01/12/2021 06:38

@Nittersing

I have no firsthand information for you but there's a whole t.v. series covering this called "Grand Designs". From what I've seen it seems to be legal but...
  1. You'll probably be in the caravan longer than you planned.
  2. You may have an extra child/pregnancy while in the caravan.
  3. Winter is coming and you'll definitely have issues with heating and water.
😄 Best of luck, I'm sure it will be amazing when it's all finished.
Divorce is often a consequence as well
Rissole · 01/12/2021 06:40

Most properties are allowed a touring caravan. Look at the deeds to see if this is allowed and then just get a big one!

I have been down this route and we are living in a caravan in the situation you describe. We had hassle at first from the council but there are local rules and we fell into that category.

It has been OK but we are super organised with water, electricity etc.

Rissole · 01/12/2021 06:44

Pressed too soon.

Make is as unobtrusive as you can so you are unlikely to get complaints. We have gone full camo mode and no one can see it from the gate or anywhere pretty much but we do have a fair sized plot.

The council should be able to provide you with a leaflet regarding the rules. If they can't, get a leaflet from a neighbouring council and follow that advice. That way you look like you have made an effort. We had a full on battle initially as the Enforcement Officer thought he knew the law when he didn't and he overstepped to a massive degree. We got compensation for the way he treated us.

Depending on how long you are going to be, there is an element of just doing it and by the time you go through due process and have a formal stop order, you will have finished anyway.

Matildatoldsuchdreadfullies · 01/12/2021 07:07

My parents did this when they were in their 60s… as did all the other householders on their side of the road (result of flooding). They said it was a total nightmare, and as the months moved on all the neighbourhood became very tetchy.

lebkuchenforxmas · 01/12/2021 07:24

Is there a restrictive covenant on your property which restricts you having caravans on the drive?

Kezzie200 · 01/12/2021 07:39

Pretty sure there's something called the caravan act. Look at that. And your deeds. My parents live on an estate and shouldn't even have a van with signwriting on! Of course, people have pushed these rules over the past 40 years but there may be more complaints raised if someone was living in something not allowed.

Original poster
BrightGoldenHazeintheMeadow · 13/12/2021 11:41

Thanks very much, everyone. Obviously a few things to look into.

OP posts:
sunnyandshare · 13/12/2021 11:48

My parents did this when I was around 5 (it was for 6 weeks and on a building site rather than a driveway) and I have very fond memories of that time. DPs OTOH vowed never to step into a caravan again, and stayed true to their word.

bobkate · 13/12/2021 11:48

I suppose it depends on lots of things. Is there room on the drive, will it impact negatively on your neighbours' views/living, will you need it to shower in, is your neighbourhood generally safe etc? We did for part of our renovation..just for sleeping. We still had the bathroom and front room however. It was for about 2 or 3 months in the end, during the summer holidays mainly. It was ok, but not something I'd love to return to anytime soon Grin

Original poster
BrightGoldenHazeintheMeadow · 15/12/2021 14:54

Thanks for your responses.

OP posts:
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