Living in a caravan........

[sparker247]

Im trying to buy my first house and alone this is a big problem! One of my friends has come up with the idea for me of living in a caravan for 6 months and save every penny to collect a larger deposit to make it easier. I have put this offer to my gran to pitch a caravan on her drive, who said she doesnt have a problem with it except she is worried about losing her benefits and having to pay more council tax due to me staying there. Does anybody know where we stand with this situation?? Thanks in advance.

[sleepy1]

dont tell any one your living there . use some one else address for letters and stuff .

[Ethel]

If you are living in a caravan on her drive you can be sure the neighbours will notice - and probably complain to the council.

People would take less notice if you moved in to her house.

Anyway - if you did it 'above board' she would lose her 25% single occupier discount and maybe some of her benefits.

[NORMANTHEDOG]

you have been watching emmerdale too much

[sparker247]

She has no room in the house, otherwise she would let me stay there. As for the neighbours, her driveway is really long and goes down behind her house so people would not see anything as she has 40ft fir trees all round. Emmerdale??? I have no idea what you are talking about!!! LOL

[Reverandfunk]

Just do it and don't bother redirecting mail til you get your permanent address

[buildersmate]

Quite apart from the Council Tax issue raised by Ethel, there is a Planning issue. If you are making use of the facilities inside the house (bathroom and cooking facilities) there should be no issue, but there may be a maximum time limit (not sure) for doing this.
If you are self-contained in the caravan, technically you would require temporary planning permission (which you are unlikely to get).

[teag1rl]

As builders mate says, it's a planning issue too. I dont think there is a time limit, but the caravan must be used in conjunction with the main hse (ie you eat and wash in hse etc.) and be not capable of being used residentially should the hse be taken away (unlikely but hopefully you will see what I mean).

[teag1rl]

Buenchico gives good answer here:
http://www.theanswerbank.co.uk/Home-and-Garden /Question224524.html