DIY Doctor UK DIY Forums

We are caravan owners and it is clearly annoying a local resident who is making a nuisance of themselves to the council wherever we put it. It was stored on our driveway in front of our garage however the tow bar was overhanging the footpath very slightly so we had to move it. We own a patch of land next to the garage block which was previously just foliage. We have cut this all back and made a hard standing surface to store the van, hoping it would appease the neighbours. Clearly not. Council have said we need planning permission for change of use? as the land is not within the curtilage of our property. Any advice? land is not green belt if that helps. There is a caravan in a neighbouring road in exactly the same position. Planning officer doesn't seem bothered by that one as no one has complained about it!
many thanks in advance

If a precedent has been set by the other guiy with a van you need to point out to the council that what is good for the goose etc. They may decide to move you both on so you will then have made an enemy so the only true course is to apply for a change of use for the land. The forms for this can generally be downloaded from the council website