ᐅ Using an empty, privately owned building plot without permission.

I was at our empty building plots today and was surprised to find the entire site filled with (heavy-duty) vehicles. Next door, a prefabricated house was being assembled, and all the vehicles involved in the construction were parked on our property.

Of course, they couldn’t ask for permission since there is no name sign on the plot. I don’t really mind in principle, as long as no damage occurs. For that reason, I took photos of the currently intact manholes as well as the vehicles with their license plates.

My question: Does simply driving on the property cause any potential damage or problems later on? (Keyword: soil compaction). If not, are they allowed to stay there as long as they want? Otherwise, what is the recommended procedure? Alternative parking options for the vehicles are very limited.

Live and let live. Just insist that they clean up their trash afterwards.

That was also my first thought,

I only have concerns based on my recent experiences with construction, worries about suffering a loss that I would have to pay for without having caused it. No, you can’t really call it fear, more like reservations or concerns? Anyway.

Of course, that makes it easier. But basically, they should have managed even if your house had already been there. So what then?

I would talk to the future neighbor and say that, in principle, you don’t mind as long as it doesn’t cause you any damage and that any traces are removed afterward. If it turns out that you have been harmed in any way (compaction or who knows what), you will address it and expect your future neighbor to take responsibility.

Be polite, since they will be your neighbor—you don’t want to stir up trouble unnecessarily—but as I said, it is a bit cheeky to simply use someone else’s land to make your own building process easier. If no damage has been caused to you, then let it go. But I don’t find it quite right if permission wasn’t asked beforehand.

I can understand that; I would also be concerned about a potential (financial) disadvantage for myself. I also think it’s best to talk to the neighbor. Depending on their reaction, you can then decide how to proceed (either let everything continue as is or prohibit the use).

Don’t worry, you won’t have any real damage. Compaction doesn’t matter much since everything will be dug up again anyway when the landscaping work begins. Just make sure your access shafts stay intact (also open the covers occasionally to check that the concrete rings and the cones don’t have any cracks). Otherwise, not much can really go wrong.

When you get to that point, you might even need some neighborly help. For example, your neighbor could return the favor by providing temporary electricity or water on site….

That way, everyone gains a small advantage.