Sole trader (builder) using flat garden as supply depot

[cheasypees]

We have a neighbour who is constantly coming and going with building supplies for his work as a self employed builder. While we don't want to impeded him making a living, he is causing inconvenience to others while loading his van most days for around 30 minutes casing neighbour's car parking spaces to be regularly obstructed while he's inside his property sorting a load. People have been grumbling about it behind his back and a few have had a word, he's a nice enough about it but he slips back into his lax behaviour time after time. No one wants any trouble but he shouldn't be parking in contravention of the parking rules on the lease, perhaps this may need tackling. The concern is that if his parking/loading is tackled, should he be operating as a sole trader from a flat with generic lease terms. At what point would it be considered running a business? If we tackle the parking, are we going to impede him making a living and have one very irate neighbour going forward? There is also the issue of concrete dust and detritus making the carpark look run down affecting out house prices probably.

General advice on what to do is very welcome. We have tried to talk to him but have to repeatedly do so, yet the issues remain. Is there anything particularly to look for on the lease? Any good articles on this issue?

Thank you for advice!!

[cheasypees]

Is there anywhere I can ask for general advice? Citizens Advice were not particularly confident on the issue and I don't want to go to council just for advice in case they did something/put it on file.

[des8]

I'm afraid that if he doesn't act with consideration to his neighbours after repeated polite requests, if you want his behaviour to change you need to take firmer action.

Whilst I appreciate no one wants to stop him making a living, he should not impinge on others.
If he is a builder perhaps he needs a proper depot to work from. Why should you his neighbours give a hidden subsidy to his business?

If no one wants to face him, perhaps a round robin pointing out that he is adversely affecting his neighbours and that if it continues you as a group will be making a complaint to the freeholder regarding possible breaches of the lease, and complaints to the council regarding use of domestic premises for running a business.

[cheasypees]

Thank you Des8. Didn't think of that, perhaps we could try each of us taking turns to point out when it is causing issues. We've all had a few attempts and given up as individuals. The social nudge as a persistent group might be a good next step to see if he will choose to be more considerate. Thank you, very good idea. I pray this might produce some improvement or it may be for the freeholder to take responsibility.

Have a fabulous day!