Van mainly consists of residential properties, one industrial estate and only one public house - The Fisherman's Rest.

The same name is given to the electoral ward of Caerphilly County Borough council that also covers Van.

[2] For political administration Van is served by a Community Council that meets monthly.

In the 1580s, permission was given to Thomas Lewis to use stone from nearby Caerphilly Castle to build a manor house.

The building was seen as an innovation of its day but its construction led to the further dilapidation of the original castle in Caerphilly.