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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Living in Van on Driveway

91 replies

AbbaG12 · 20/09/2019 16:49

AIBU?

I'm not sure how long this has been going on for as I didn't really take notice at first....but, about a month ago I started to take notice of a van that kept visiting our close and stopping on a driveway. I thought at first it was just the neighbours work vehicle but I then realise it was actually a converted van. I then noticed that people were actually living in the van.

The last few weeks it's been there pretty permanently (at least from what I can see when i'm home from work or off work).

The issue is it looks directly into our kitchen/dinner area where we spend a lot of our time and you buy a house knowing which rooms people overlook you.

AIBU to not want them to live on the driveway and also, what do I do about this? Is it legal and what can I do about it? I don't want to annoy the neighbours but I want our privacy.

OP posts:
AllModra · 20/09/2019 16:53

I've been there, but on the van side, not yours.

I honestly don't think they'd be looking in. I doubt I can reassure you but all the people I have known and still know who are modern day nomadic dwellers, aren't like that. They need their privacy and they wouldn't spy on you. They've got respect.

No, it's not legal to live on a driveway.

I'm too tired to get overinvested. But I really wouldn't get upset over it, they won't be there long. They'll just be visiting friends or family.

OchMumItsJustMaBow · 20/09/2019 16:54

Alan Bennett, is that you?

easyandy101 · 20/09/2019 16:55

How is it illegal?

Apolloanddaphne · 20/09/2019 16:57

Is to possibly people visiting the neighbours and staying in their van while they are there?

Ponoka7 · 20/09/2019 17:00

easyandy101
"How is it illegal?"

Not illegal as such, but against bylaws.

Residential properties are registered and their bounderies etc all set out.

You can't just reside in a shelter (of whatever type) within the boundary and not the property set out in the deeds.

The same applies to static caravans, they have to be registered etc to live in them permanently.

It's really a way of getting extra council tax. But does stop unhygienic/unsafe living conditions as well.

HappyHammy · 20/09/2019 17:00

Could it be a place for workmen to rest or family visiting.

SophyStantonLacy · 20/09/2019 17:00

When my dad visits he stays in his van on the driveway.

Is it illegal? It’s private land. They aren’t residing permanently which would be illegal I think.

Spidey66 · 20/09/2019 17:00

I thought Alan Bennett too....

Original poster
AbbaG12 · 20/09/2019 17:01

They've been there a while now - It was definitely there in the mid summer holidays as I remember seeing it when going out with the kids for a day trip. So i'd say at least 6 weeks but think it could be more.

OP posts:
Ponoka7 · 20/09/2019 17:02

I'd have a word before i did anything (not that I would do anything).

They may be waiting for a property.

I also doubt that they are looking at you.

Original poster
AbbaG12 · 20/09/2019 17:02

No, they aren't working from what I saw in the summer holidays.

OP posts:
Slappadabass · 20/09/2019 17:04

Put some blinds up and leave them to it, job done.

SophyStantonLacy · 20/09/2019 17:04

I would just ask your neighbours.

Original poster
AbbaG12 · 20/09/2019 17:05

So as people seem to think this is fine, how long Is acceptable? Do I allow this to happen indefinitely?

OP posts:
EddieVeddersfoxymop · 20/09/2019 17:06

My campervan insurance states strictly no sleeping in the drive. Just a thought.

zafferana · 20/09/2019 17:06

I'd ring the council and ask for advice. I wouldn't like it either OP and I doubt it's legal living in a caravan on a driveway.

AmIThough · 20/09/2019 17:06

Is it causing you any issues apart from worrying that they're looking in through your window?

If not, could you just ask them to turn the van round?

ny20005 · 20/09/2019 17:08

Who's driveway is it ? Presumably they know the owner & have permission to be there

NoSauce · 20/09/2019 17:08

Who does the drive belong to?

Leeds2 · 20/09/2019 17:09

The neighbour must surely have given them permission to park on their drive?

Original poster
AbbaG12 · 20/09/2019 17:09

@amithough - windows on both sides of this van.

I think looking through the window is relevant as a lot of people take into account who can see into their rooms when looking to buy or rent.

OP posts:
Original poster
AbbaG12 · 20/09/2019 17:11

@zafferana thank you. It's interesting reading all the replies. I don't mind hearing that people think I a being unreasonable but I want to know if I should expect to have people living forever.

OP posts:
hazell42 · 20/09/2019 17:11

Clearly not Alan Bennett
He was a lot more accommodating

Original poster
AbbaG12 · 20/09/2019 17:12

@ny20005 @Nosauce @Leeds2
I presume the neighbours have given permission as it'd be pretty noticeble them living there.
If they have given permission, does it make it okay?

OP posts:
AmIThough · 20/09/2019 17:12

Ah I don't know why I pictured a transit van that had been converted so only had a windscreen!

I agree, looking into your windows is an issue, whether they're actually looking in or not.
I'd contact the council and ask what the rules are around it.

Do you have a relationship with the neighbours? Could you have a conversation and slip in the question of how long they're going to be there?

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