In Cornwall, a recent council crackdown on planning infringements is putting many vulnerable van dwellers at risk of homelessness. The council has reported that half of its planning enforcement notices target caravans in agricultural fields, highlighting a growing issue as local housing becomes increasingly unaffordable.
Residents like Dawn, who has lived in a horsebox for three years, face eviction as the council intensifies its enforcement actions. With the local economy heavily reliant on tourism, many landlords prefer short-term holiday lets over long-term rentals, exacerbating the housing crisis for locals.
The situation is dire for those who have found temporary refuge in these caravans, as they often lack alternative housing options. Many residents are older individuals with health issues, relying on the community they have built for support.
The council maintains that planning laws are essential for proper development, but critics argue that the enforcement disproportionately affects the most vulnerable. As discussions continue, the future of these residents hangs in the balance, raising urgent questions about housing policy and community welfare in Cornwall.
Source: The Guardian
