Liveing in a campervan within the uk

Hi

The law is not very clear on living in a campervan. As I understand it, there is no direct law stopping you from living in a campervan.
However the police happily move people on if they think they are living in the van, or simply sleeping for the night. They can do this as they can claim it is anti-social.
I have spent long periods of time living in campervans. Mainly in Europe, where it is easier, but also at times in the UK.
My van looked liked a regular van on the outside, i.e. no windows, but was a comfortable camper inside. This allowed me to park just about anywhere and sleep for the night. I just kept noise and visits outside to a minimum. And keep parking in different places. This is fine for short periods, but not good for long-term.

The law states that you can only live in a campervan or caravan for 28 days in 1 year on private land. Any more than 28 days and you need planning permission.
However we are able to park vehicles on our land without planning permission for as long as we like. So the difference is simply that someone is living in it.
If the land is not surrounded by neighbours, and the vehicle moves from time to time you could probably get away with parking the camper on private land without planning permission, but obviously this carries a litte risk if the council become aware.

Another option is a very cheap campsite. Most campsites charge £10+ per day and offer lots of facilities. But there are some campsites that are literally a field. The owner might only charge a few pounds a day. If you chat with the owner they might do you a nice deal.

Thanks for your reply. It is helpful as Have a few people drives I could park on. Thats 6 venues Id need a years as I spend 3 nights at freinds each week any how and add trips away. So
mums drive
dads drive
freinds drive
aunts drive
private land
so One more and Id be ok.
Any idea what would happen if your unable to move the camper due to alcohole blood content, If asked to move on? I wouldnt have access to ignition or immobolisher keys till the next day. Would it be a comfortable cell for the night ? dont think that would happen but a posibility is there.

You only need that many locations if someone (other than you) is actually monitoring the number of nights at each location. Otherwise, as long as you move around a bit, you could get away with just 2 or 3 places to stay.

If you don't have the keys on you, you'll probably be OK. If the police want the vehicle moved, they will move it.
If you have the keys on you, they consider than intent to drive, and you could be charged with drink driving.

Darren your a great help.

I wouldnt expect them to move the van as the van would be legally parked. Just sleeping in it is considered offensive or something. I slept in my car loads of times and never thought anything off it. I have a box trailer perfect for double air bed I've slept in this many times too. There are way tomany silly rules in england. Would be nice if affordable houseing was affordable. I only want a roof to sleep under with my dog and cat.

spoke with local officier there only power is to ask you to move if you fail to do so you can be detained. So just drive down the road a bit.

re having no keys so "cannot" drive officer ! be aware that a keen cop will /can still charge u , keys or not ! happened 2 me ,i had 2 raise £2000 4 legal defence ,be very carefull, particularly on any public road at all! inc. car parks

hi there,
this is a really informative thread here. im thinking about living in my camper too since me and my housemates are being ejected. its nothing personal but the guy wants his house back. So, Lots of useful info and tips here thanks.

Where i am the council have provided the gypsy and travelling community with a well equipped campsite but it filled up really quickly. i know there is another privately owned site. has anyone had experience of staying on one?
And at an odd time when i've had to wait at Dover for the ferry ive had some peaceful, undisturbed nights at the big supermarket there and got up early to use the facilities too. i always ask first and so far never had a no.
Also, i recall the story of a woman who made it onto the TV with her story of life in her camper. The programme makers ran a straw poll of local residents and the biggest objection was that she didnt have to pay council tax. I think the story came from Scarborough. Different councils have different tolerence levels im sure.
i'll find out more about the travellers sight, see what response i get and let you know.
Good luck with the stealth camping keith

Seems the place for campers and there are a few around the City of Bath :) I should make them a brew now and then before I head North

John :)

Hi Darren
My partner and I are living in Cornwall but we have been spending a lot of time with my elderly parents and I have decided to stay with them. Because we have had a lot of stuff to sort out we have been on my parents drive first for 2 and half weeks and then again now for 3 weeks and still here. I have slept in the van on and off. A neighbour (on the Parish council) is really giving us grief threatening to contact Planning. He is really annoyed that we have had to put a car in the road. And also says I can see you are living in it! One of us is always in the house and obviously we eat etc in the house. I am about to move into my parents home and my partner will be going back to Cornwall. He will come back every so often.

I noted that on your site it says that as long as you are not living in a van for more than 28 days but does living mean sleeping over night (but not constantly) as well when you eat and use the house and you have your own home. Can you give me your advice - its tough enough taking care of elderly parents but having this neighbour (who is now getting other neighbours involved is more pressure I dont need) The van is my partners only vehicle and is a German Hymer 20 years old but presentable.

Thanks a lot - look forward to hearing your view thanks Paula

You are not on a public road or on a camp site. You are on a private drive. 28 days seems to be the norm in camp sites etc. Darren and Mgr will know better. But I would not worry, all it takes you have on night in the house and you broke the 28 day rule, or just go shopping in it and its moved. Its that simple in my view I cant see what powers the council will have if I am honest.

Hi Paula

I'm sorry to hear of your situation. Even worse that the neighbour is not being understanding. I assume you have explained the situation to them, in the hope they might be more understanding?

I am no expert. But as I understand it. You are entitled to park the vehicle on the drive. You are also welcome to park the car on the road, assuming it is legally parked.

The 28 day rule, as I understand it, is 28 days per year. Regardless of home many in a row you sleep in it. And I think it is sleeping in it that is counted. So 28 days per year, that you can sleep in it, overnight. When it is parked, it is like no other vehicle.

I hope you neighbour is more understanding. I am sure when the vehicle has gone for a while the neighbour will find something else to occupy their time.

I wish you all the best.