Lawyer explains what to if neighbour's caravan is blocking your driveway

Legal experts have warned motorists could find themselves on the wrong side of the law if they don't follow the latest guidance.

Austin Lafferty Solicitors has outlined where caravans can be parked, prohibited locations, what to do if someone breaches regulations, and rental rules for your van.

John Roberts, Partner and Director at Austin Lafferty Solicitors, said: "If storing a caravan is a non-negotiable part of your lifestyle, then it's hugely important that a solicitor checks the title deed before purchasing a property. Then, if there is any anti-caravan restriction, you can make an informed choice about whether or not to proceed.

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"If you're looking to store your caravan at your home or are concerned about someone else's caravan being sited near your home, it's usually fairly easy to check with a local authority if you're unsure about planning regulations. Like all issues with neighbours, it is best to try to resolve things amicably. Failing that, the property owner with the law on their side can force the issue and get resolution."

The firm has tackled some of the most pressing questions.

Can a caravan be stored on a driveway?

In many cases, yes, but it's crucial to check your title deeds before doing so. The newer the property, the more likely there are to be restrictions.

In contemporary housing developments, it's now common for the builder's solicitor to create title deeds for the entire estate, which can be very detailed, including limiting or restricting the storing of caravans. This is all for a good reason - nobody wants loud, obnoxious, or busy activities on their doorstep.

Can a caravan be stored on a road?

There isn't a specific law that prevents a caravan from being parked on a road but it's important to bear in mind that if it obstructs passing traffic, obscures access, or affects anyone's general rights such as blocking views or restricting light, then a third-party may attempt to take legal action.

It's also worth checking insurance details. Some policies have a clause that means caravans are not insured when parked on a road or unhitched from the towing vehicle (unless in a caravan park).

What if a neighbour's caravan is blocking access or light?

Start by examining your own deeds as they're likely to be identical, if not very similar, to those of the neighbouring property. If the deeds do not permit this, you can take action in court to get an injunction (known as an interdict in Scotland) to stop them from continuing.

If the title is silent, they can carry on. However, if the caravan obstructs access to a property or significantly affects inside light, there may still be grounds for a legal challenge on health and safety basis.

Is planning permission needed to store a caravan on land other than a driveway?

Again, it's crucial to refer to the deeds. Just because someone has ample land, it doesn't automatically mean they will be allowed to store their caravan on it.

In fact, in some more rural areas, caravans are strictly prohibited and placing just a single caravan on farmland, for instance, could be seen as a 'change in use' which would necessitate planning permission.

Can someone live in a caravan while it is parked at their home?

Having additional space can be incredibly useful for overnight guests and is perfectly legal where the caravan is used as an extension of the home, for example, as an extra bedroom, or office. This applies both for the odd night here or there and also as a permanent extra room.

It cannot, however, be used as a permanent residence.

If the caravan is causing a nuisance to neighbours – for example, if it's generating noise, unpleasant odours, or being used for raucous parties – then a complaint can be lodged with the local authority about this anti-social behaviour, and a common law court injunction/interdict can be sought against them.

Is it possible to list a driveway caravan on Airbnb or other rental platforms?

If the caravan is being used as a separate dwelling, and not just for immediate family and their guests, then the owner of the caravan will need to apply for planning permission. Even if the let is on an informal basis, and there is no contract in place, planning permission would still be necessary.