To park my motorhome on my drive for the duration of lockdown?

[cantdothisnow1]

I have a motorhome that is kept in storage in normal times.

I have 2 autistic kids who can't go to school, we normally get out and about as much as possible for sanity but obviously from Thursday movements are restricted.

WIBU to park my motorhome on the drive for lockdown to give us more space? This would technically be in breach of restrictive covenants on our property.

Logic behind it being that the kids would have a breakout room if needed. We had some major mental health problems in the first lockdown.

WWYD?

Surely if the twat neighbours were to start action, by the time it went anywhere near a court in about 2025 the motorhome will be back in storage?

I would hate to live next door to you, with that great thing parked there for months, blocking out light, and being a general eyesore.

We were about to put an offer in on a lovely house and had a drive past it one Sunday afternoon, massive 4 berth motorhome in next doors drive. Ugly big eye sore. YABU.

My parents have their caravan on the drive. I didn’t realise it was an issue?! I’d say it’s fine, if I was your neighbour I wouldn’t be annoyed. I couldn’t give a shit about anybody else’s property tbh though!

Strictly speaking covenants like this are enforceable...I’d still do it (at least for a limited time).

Do people really care about stuff like this?

If they didn't there probably wouldn't be a covenant about it ...

@Valmur

Strictly speaking covenants like this are enforceable...I’d still do it (at least for a limited time).

So would I in the op's position, it will certainly benefit her sons. I agree they don't look nice on drives generally but this is not going to be permanent so what's the problem?

Omg. It has stopped people viewing a house! I am amazed by mn everyday.I am keeping my motorhome on my drive forever! I didn't realise it was a batshit crazy person deflector. who the hell would want people bothered by a motorhome living next door.

We had a house with a number of covenants over 90 years old that were, according to our copy on the title, for every house on the street to protect everyone from future selfish neighbours doing things like turning them into student HMOs when the houses were built and my solicitor said they were enforceable. I was glad because it offered some protection. I would report you if you didn't come over and say it would be temporary/ did I mind...

My son's new build estate attracts buyers because things like a flag pole and industrial vans are banned. My own private estate has a code of conduct eg no for sale boards allowed and as soon as one goes up we get it taken down, never mind the special planning rules which even here determine what gate style and driveway material is allowed (one man spent £25,000 on his drive (very big house) and the council planning people made him take the whole thing up as he was stupid enough not to seek planning consent in advance) so yes some people have very strong views on these things. Someone else put up solar panels and they have had to come down (but those drives and panels issues are because we are a conservation area whereas if someone started a building business that would breach planning plus the covenants).

@Xenia yes mine was similar but not a new build and everyone rigidly enforced the covenants. It made it a lovely place to live, but not for the odd one or two who bought knowing the rules but hoping to ignore them I suppose.

Yes do it. It is temporary and it's a pandemic.

@Daphnise have you even read the OP posts. It blocks no ones light and isn't in the way whatsoever.

I hope it's on your drive OP. Nice note and bottle wine/chocs/nice cheese/whatever to your nearest neighbours and the ones opposite. Don't mind the whataboutery on this thread!

And @Daphnise I think I would hate to live next to you

Just do to and don’t put a note in anyone’s postbox. In anyone says anything just say that you’re waiting for new storage which will be available mid December

@Daphnise

I would hate to live next door to you, with that great thing parked there for months, blocking out light, and being a general eyesore.

Good grief that's a bit strong.

Did you read the bit about me paying for storage in consideration of my neighbours, and the bit about pandemic and disabled children?

Thankfully my next door neighbour is delightful and has already told me that she couldn't care less if I park on the drive full time.

It's the curtain twitchers over the road who will be the problem potentially.

I think I'm too much of a wimp to do it anyway. I'm collecting it today as I need to make sure it's safe for winter but I don't think I can handle an argument with anyone, so I'll probably return before they close on Wednesday.

I'd do it but put a note through peoples doors explaining it won't be permanent.

Honestly, the stress from a conversation Vs the stress from not having that space or being able to use it for trips! Do it! Also, presumably ok to use it from your drive for days out but not collect from storage as that's not one of the journeys allowed.

@Di11y

Honestly, the stress from a conversation Vs the stress from not having that space or being able to use it for trips! Do it! Also, presumably ok to use it from your drive for days out but not collect from storage as that's not one of the journeys allowed.

I won't be able to collect from storage as it is non essential business and they are shut.

What actually worries me is if the lockdown lasts beyond 2/12 as I may end up with mechanical problems. It doesn't do an engine good to sit idle for months on end. But fingers crossed it will be short term.

What actually worries me is if the lockdown lasts beyond 2/12 as I may end up with mechanical problems. It doesn't do an engine good to sit idle for months on end

If they're the sort to complain I imagine this will worry them too; they may even wonder if waiting for repairs might take you into the summer and that you'll then decide it's a lovely facility for the DCs during the lovely light nights

As said, your real way forward is probably to find out exactly what the position is about the covenant and then go from there

Can’t you get it out of storage to give the engine a run then ‘not realise’ the storage place is closed after Wednesday and therefore have a good excuse not to return it until lockdown is over? Should any twats complain? You’d LOVE to return it but simply can’t as the storage place is closed.

You need to check the covenant as a Motorhome is not a caravan. You could park it on the road if it is taxed and insured and unless it was causing an obstruction there is nothing your neighbours could do about it.
This comes up a lot on some of the Motorhome forums that I am on.

Honestly, stop living your life worried about potential disapproval or mini-conflict. Smooth the way with nice words and things and a brisk assurance it's absolutely temporary. It's 4 weeks, not 4 years!

May as well sorn it while you're at it