Ellen, a 67‑year‑old grandmother, looks to the floor and reflects on how a personal tragedy and ill health led her to a life on the road.
Van dwelling on the edge of the South Downs
She has spent nine years living in a van with her dogs on the outskirts of Brighton’s South Downs National Park. For more than a year she has searched for a permanent home, but says the shortage of affordable housing and financial pressures have made it impossible.
Steve Brown, a 68‑year‑old retired bus driver, lives nearby and says each day he thinks, “You’ve survived another day.” The two have tried to rent a property together, but their combined pensions do not meet the income threshold required by landlords.
Growth of van encampments across the UK
Encampments are expanding nationally, with hotspots in Bristol, Brighton, Falmouth and Glastonbury. In Bristol, council surveys have recorded vans at 107 different locations in the last six months.
Residents report increasing anger as some vans appear in disrepair while others are tidy. Action groups have formed to demand the removal of vehicles from protected areas such as The Downs, and the council has begun legal proceedings to extend injunctions that could force evictions.
Facing the crisis in Brighton
Local estimates suggest 75‑100 people call their vans home in Brighton. Some have set up near a primary‑school playing field, prompting complaints about noise from generators and alleged waste issues.
Brighton & Hove Council says It’s supporting people into suitable accommodation and is working with its legal team on enforcement, acknowledging that legal resolutions can be sluggish.
Personal stories of resilience
Dave Knight, a Bristol van dweller of six years, says he cannot afford rent, council tax or bills after work dried up. His son Jack lives about 50 metres away in a minor van equipped with a solar panel and plants.
The city currently operates 65 “meanwhile sites” that offer pitched spaces with water, toilets and waste disposal for a modest fee.
Ellen now wants to fund a permanent home, but says estate agents’ demands make it “incredibly difficult” to secure a house.
When asked about critics, Steve replies, “Anybody that says, ‘you shouldn’t be living like that’… get your chequebook out. Write a nice cheque, buy us a nice piece of land, or donate us a house, or shut your mouth.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are more people living in vans in the UK?
Many are driven by the cost of living, a shortage of affordable housing and financial pressures that make renting or buying a home unattainable.
What actions are councils taking against van dwellers?
Councils such as Bristol City Council have started legal action, seeking injunctions to evict vans from public spaces, while Brighton & Hove Council says it is working with its legal team to enforce standards, though the process can be lengthy.
How many vans are reported in Bristol?
We find more than 600 live‑in vehicles in Bristol, a figure that has quadrupled over the last five years, with recent counts finding them at 107 different locations.
What do you think should be done to balance the needs of van dwellers with community concerns?
