Bournemouth: Fury in wealthy seaside suburb as ‘van dwellers’ obscure views from £1m homes
A passive-aggressive banner has appeared in an affluent suburb of Bournemouth highlighting the controversial problem of caravans and caravans being parked outside homes for long periods of time.
Around 20 ‘van dwellers’ man a cliff-top road in Bournemouth, Dorset, with locals claiming some live in them full-time.
The row of large white vehicles is located directly opposite the luxury flats, which are priced at over £1 million due to their stunning sea views.
Residents say it’s unfair for van residents to avoid parking fees, and they often park there for months at a time.
Concerns were also raised about people feeling uncomfortable passing minibuses after dark.
A petition launched in March calling on the BCP Council to address the existence of the vehicles has attracted hundreds of signatures.
But one disgruntled resident took matters into his own hands by erecting the 7ft by 10ft banner attached to the edge of a metal fence in Southborne Overcliff.
“BCP Council welcomes long-term van residents,” he says.
“Our beautiful cliff top car parks are available FREE ALL YEAR ROUND.”
The poster also highlights the lack of toilets in the area, but adds the words “don’t let this put you off” next to a picture of a bush.
This is a nod to allegations that van residents flushed their chemical toilets at the top of the cliff.
Below the banner reads: “Holidaygoers, beach users and local residents are kindly requested to find alternative parking.”
BCP Council said they removed the banner because it was “placed without permission”.
Digital creator Lydia Mirco, who saw the banner, said she had lived in Southbourne for more than 10 years and long-term van parking had “always” been an issue.
“This causes traffic and safety problems for people crossing the roads and is also very frustrating for people living on Overcliff roads.
“Whilst I know people choose the van life, or sometimes not, it is extremely inconsiderate that local people are forced to live with these vans outside their homes.”
Ann Gerrard, chief executive of Bournemouth Beach Hut Association, said: “It’s time the council did something about this. It’s appalling up there.”
“They have been there for years and sometimes there are as many as 20 parked.
“They have been seen emptying the toilets at the top of the cliff and a few weeks ago someone was found dead in a van.
“I have meetings with the council about this issue because of the beach huts association, we have raised this many times.
“It’s unfortunate for people who live in these flats and have to be careful about it; it looks like a campsite.
“It’s also dangerous because there’s no visibility when they try to get on the road.”
The petition said the cliff-top road at Boscombe and Southbourne had turned “a once scenic, peaceful coastline into unmanaged extended stay parkland”.
He writes: “A growing number of pickup trucks, motorhomes, caravans and converted vehicles have been parked along Overcliff for extended periods of time, often staying for weeks or even months.
“Despite repeated complaints from residents, BCP Council has taken no effective action to prevent or manage this problem.
“This causes a visible and measurable decline in the region,” he said.
The petition listed issues such as obstructed views, reduced parking availability, visual degradation of a prime waterfront area, and a loss of community feel with many residents reporting discomfort with walking locally.
He said residents’ “sense of value and fairness has diminished, especially when paying council premium tax”.
He added: “BCP Council must not remain silent while a prime neighborhood of Bournemouth is declining.”
Wayne Willett, a 61-year-old craftsman who has spent half his life in minibuses and makes a living converting them, said the minibus occupants were victims of “spiteful” behavior from residents who “didn’t own the view”.
Mr Willett, who has stayed at the Bournemouth clifftop in the past, said: “The unwritten rule is two to three days and you’re on, but there are permanent vans there so I understand the complaint of people living in houses.
“But they don’t own the view and if they want an uninterrupted view they have to pay more for their property.
“There seems to be resentment towards van residents, many of whom are working but can no longer pay rent.
“I think there are 300 of us in the BCP area, including single women between the ages of 19 and 80.
“It is very scary when people crash into our doors, our side mirrors are broken and even our tires are slashed.
“People don’t have money, so this isn’t going to go away.”
Cllr Richard Herrett, BCP Council’s portfolio holder for destination, leisure and commercial operations, said: “We have removed a large banner that was placed without permission in Overcliff.
“We understand residents’ concerns about the presence of caravans and caravans in the Southbourne area.
“Our aim is to ensure that future decisions on parking restrictions reflect the views of residents, supporting the local economy and keeping our coastline welcoming and accessible for everyone.
“We are also considering a community agreement on BCP waterfront that would create designated safe parking areas for minibus residents with access to basic amenities so that all our residents can live safely and healthily.”
