Cornwall Council confirmed it has served 31 van-dwellers at the beachside car park in Newquay with eviction notices ordering them to vacate the site by 4pm on Friday
Claire Elliott and Cornwall Live readers
16:00, 18 Jul 2026
Vanlifers at Little Fistral in Newquay(Image: Olivier Vergnault / Cornwall Live)
CornwallLive readers have heard that dozens of vanlifers living at a popular Cornish beauty spot have been ordered to leave after Cornwall Council served eviction notices ahead of the busy summer season.
The council has confirmed that 31 people living in vans at Towan Head car park, overlooking Little Fistral beach in Newquay, have been told to leave the site, or face further action.
The move comes just weeks after Cornwall Live spoke to several vanlifers about why they chose the lifestyle, the challenges they face and the growing tensions over long term stays at the beauty spot. Some also admitted covering their number plates with tape to avoid parking charges.
One vanlifer, Daisy, said many of the long term residents concealed their registration plates and generally got away with it. However, she said things always changed when Boardmasters Festival approached, with the council taking a much tougher approach.
She said at the time: “It’s annoying. We’ll have to find somewhere else for a few days then we’ll come back.” That prediction now appears to have come true. Footage shared on social media showed bailiffs arriving at the car park and attaching eviction notices to the entrance and to vehicles parked on the site.
The notice, issued under the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994, instructs anyone occupying the land without permission to leave by the deadline and remove all vehicles and belongings. Ryan, another vanlifer who previously spoke to Cornwall Live, claimed the enforcement operation was heavy handed.
He said: “They turned up banging on my van. We were all getting ready to leave anyway. I’m not sure where everyone else will go, but I have other places around Cornwall. As far as I’m aware, we’ll all be back.”
A Cornwall Council spokesperson confirmed: “We have served notice to the occupants of 31 vans at Towan Head car park in Newquay.”
Commenter Red says: “No council tax, no parking fees, yet it’s taxpayers who end up covering the costs. What’s even more frustrating is seeing a beautiful spot that families enjoy left covered in rubbish. It’s incredibly disrespectful to the people who pay to maintain these places. As a taxpayer, it’s hard not to be annoyed by the lack of consideration.”
Bluemagpie agrees: “If they really like the van lifestyle, they could live in a licensed park and pay their correct taxes like the rest of us. I can feel no sympathy.”
Lighthouse80 suggests: “A quick two minute check on the DVLA website will tell you if a vehicle is taxed and has a valid MOT. If it doesn’t, it can be seized, just as it would be if you or I were stopped by the police. Insurance is just as easy for officers to check, but no doubt some people will still claim they’re being unfairly targeted.”
Paddleboarder complains: “Cornwall is littered with these huge, polluting vehicles. When they are no longer roadworthy they are abandoned in the streets outside peoples’ homes for somebody else to deal with. Why do these individuals think paying for services doesn’t apply to them? They don’t do themselves any favours by behaving irresponsibly. It’s great to choose an alternative lifestyle but be grown up about it. Nobody can live for free.”
Barnaby T asks: “So no flats, no houses and no vans? Where exactly are people supposed to live? There’s already a housing shortage, rents are through the roof and buying is out of reach for many. If every option is criticised or ruled out, what’s the realistic alternative for people who just want somewhere affordable to call home?”
Sandy A agrees: “How about providing places where full timers can park up?”
Vernon R adds: “They need somewhere safe and legal to park, and it’s up to the council to help provide that. It doesn’t have to be complicated. These are people with rights too, and they deserve practical solutions rather than being constantly moved on.”
Linzi F says: “I quite liked that, for a moment at least, they managed to buck the system. Free places to park have almost disappeared over the years, and car park charges have become ridiculously expensive, putting people off visiting.”
Cornwall has always had a bit of a bohemian spirit, with artists, musicians and people living a different lifestyle. Many simply can’t afford today’s rents or house prices, so they end up living in vans. That shouldn’t automatically make them the bad guys. If they’re respectful, clean up after themselves and leave no trace, I don’t really have a problem with it. Parking charges are extortionate, but I suppose that’s not something many councillors have to think about when they get free parking themselves. Funny that.”
Andy S believes: “They should have the right to appeal which then means they can get a stay of execution. People have to live somewhere and there isn’t any sensibly priced accommodation available.”
David R suggests: “Why not close the whole car park for the summer and make it pedestrian only? If van lifers are going to fill the spaces without paying, you may as well not have anyone parking there. Same outcome. It could actually be a great opportunity to tidy the area up, make it more attractive and give people a space to enjoy without rows of parked vehicles. It might only be a temporary solution, but it would make for a much nicer waterfront during the summer.”
Cornwall Live readers, do you support the council’s decision to move the vanlifers on? Should more legal places be provided for people living in vans, or should beauty spots be kept clear for visitors and paying motorists? Have your say in the comments.