Key Takeaways
- Elderly and vulnerable residents at Devon Oaks park home site in Dartmoor face eviction due to a planning row between the original landowner and the council.
- The residents claim they were mis-sold properties that didn’t have planning consent to be permanent homes, with some paying over £200k for their properties.
- The council has voted to allow enforcement action to remove the residents’ right to stay all year round, despite the residents’ pleas for a fair solution.
- The residents are fighting to stave off eviction and are proposing a solution that would avoid homelessness, protect the landscape, and cost the taxpayer nothing.
- The council claims that the responsibility for ensuring development complies with legislation and planning policy lies with the landowner, but the residents argue that they are innocent parties in the planning row.
Introduction to the Problem
The Devon Oaks park home site in Dartmoor is currently at the center of a planning row between the original landowner and the council. The site has been marketed as a residential area, with many elderly and vulnerable residents purchasing properties for over £200k. However, it has been discovered that the site only holds an eight-month "holiday" planning designation, which allows a maximum stay of 28 days during this period. This has led to the council voting to allow enforcement action to remove the residents’ right to stay all year round, leaving many facing the threat of eviction.
The Residents’ Perspective
The residents of Devon Oaks are fighting to stave off eviction and are proposing a solution that would avoid homelessness, protect the landscape, and cost the taxpayer nothing. Many of the residents are elderly and vulnerable, and they claim that they were mis-sold properties that didn’t have planning consent to be permanent homes. They argue that they are innocent parties in the planning row and that they should not be punished for the landowner’s mistakes. The residents are led by Chris Griffiths, who has stated that the uncertainty and threat of losing their homes has had a huge impact on the community.
The Council’s Decision
The Dartmoor National Park planning authority has voted to agree to allow planning officials to move forward with enforcement action, despite the residents’ pleas for a fair solution. The council claims that the responsibility for ensuring development complies with legislation and planning policy lies with the landowner, but the residents argue that this is unfair. The council has stated that submitting a planning application to regularize site use remains an option for the landowner or for residents, but as yet, no such application has been submitted.
The Proposed Solution
The residents are proposing a solution that would separate responsibility, apply proportionality, and resolve the issue without harm. They claim that this solution would avoid homelessness, protect the landscape, and cost the taxpayer nothing. However, the council has not yet fully considered this proposal, and instead, is pursuing enforcement action that could force homeowners from their properties. The residents are alarmed that the "fallback" planning position the authority claims would result from strict enforcement would allow the same number of permanent static units, plus an additional 30 touring caravans or motorhomes, and potentially unlimited tents, which would produce more traffic, more environmental pressure, and more landscape impact.
The Human Impact
The planning row has had a significant human impact on the residents of Devon Oaks. Many are facing the threat of eviction and are struggling to find a solution. The uncertainty and stress of the situation have taken a toll on the community, with many residents expressing their fears and concerns. The situation has been described as "a disaster" by Cllr Michael Fife-Cook, who has called for a solution to be found that would let the residents stay in their homes. The residents are hoping that the council will reconsider its decision and work with them to find a fair solution.
Conclusion
The situation at Devon Oaks park home site in Dartmoor is a complex and sensitive issue that requires a fair and compassionate solution. The residents are fighting to stave off eviction and are proposing a solution that would avoid homelessness, protect the landscape, and cost the taxpayer nothing. The council must consider the human impact of its decision and work with the residents to find a solution that takes into account their needs and concerns. The residents are innocent parties in the planning row and should not be punished for the landowner’s mistakes. A fair solution must be found that prioritizes the well-being of the residents and the community.