A growing conflict in Bristol sees homeowners campaigning to evict 60-100 van-dwellers from Bristol Downs, citing antisocial behavior. Van-dwellers, many of whom are homeless or cannot afford housing, fear eviction and feel unfairly targeted. The Green-led Bristol City Council is drafting a new policy to address the issue, aiming to balance the needs of both communities, while acknowledging the city's housing crisis and the increasing number of live-in vehicles.
‘They lump us all together’: van-dwellers and homeowners clash over life near Bristol Downs
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TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️A growing conflict in Bristol sees homeowners campaigning to evict 60-100 van-dwellers from Bristol Downs, citing antisocial behavior. Van-dwellers, many of whom are homeless or cannot afford housing, fear eviction and feel unfairly targeted. The Green-led Bristol City Council is drafting a new policy to address the issue, aiming to balance the needs of both communities, while acknowledging the city's housing crisis and the increasing number of live-in vehicles.
Trending- 1 2019: Council estimated 150 live-in vehicles in Bristol.
- 2 Last year: Torbay used private enforcement officers to crack down on van-dwelling encampments; council research on reasons for living in vehicles published.
- 3 Five months ago: Lee James became homeless and parked on the downs.
- 4 Last year: Amy Dickson moved into a van on the downs.
- 5 Last week: Residents from surrounding neighborhoods lobbied the Green-led council.
- 6 Tuesday, July 8: 'Protect the Downs' group addressed a Bristol city council meeting after more than 8,000 people signed a petition.
- 7 September: New van-dwelling policy will be subject to consultation.
- 8 End of the year: Council pledges to set up 250 temporary pitches on land set aside for development.
- Increased division and conflict within the Bristol community
- Potential eviction and displacement of van-dwellers
- Council forced to address complex social issues
- Concerns over public safety and access to parks
- Highlights the ongoing housing crisis in Bristol
What: Homeowners and van-dwellers are clashing over the presence of live-in vehicles on Bristol Downs, leading to a campaign for eviction and the Bristol City Council drafting a new policy.
When: Last week (residents lobbied the council); Tuesday, July 8 (Bristol city council meeting); September (new van-dwelling policy consultation); last year (council research published); five months ago (Lee James became homeless); last year (Amy Dickson moved into a van).
Where: Bristol Downs, Bristol, UK; other van-dwelling hotspots include Brighton, Falmouth, Glastonbury, Torbay; Newport, Wales mentioned as an alternative.
Why: Homeowners cite antisocial behavior (defecation, fighting, drug dealing, flashing) and safety concerns; van-dwellers are often homeless, cannot afford high rents, or prefer the lifestyle, and fear displacement. The number of live-in vehicles in Bristol has quadrupled in five years.
How: Homeowners formed a 'Protect the Downs' action group, marched, and petitioned the council. The council is drafting a new policy, which will be subject to consultation, and has pledged to set up 250 temporary pitches.