Glimmer of hope eviction can be stayed after talks

PARK home owners on Dartmoor who are under threat of losing their properties because of a planning dispute say they have been “encouraged” by talks with Dartmoor National Park Authority (DNPA).

- by ALISON STEPHENSON Local Democracy Reporter

The 20 or so residents at Devon Oaks park are hoping the authority will consider a proposal which would allow them to stay in their caravan-style homes year round.

They are facing enforcement action from DNPA which could mean the homes being removed from the site because the necessary planning permission is not in place.

The owners, who are mostly pensioners, said they bought their homes in good faith after being told they could live in them for 11 months of the year. It turns out that the properties have holiday use consent only with maximum stays of 28 days over an eight-month period.

Having met DNPA officers last week the Devon Oaks residents said talks were “constructive” and they hoped a solution can be found.