Kerry and Sue Fice poured their life savings and the proceeds from their previous home into a peaceful corner of Devon, envisioning a final, tranquil chapter. Their dream, along with the futures of dozens of their neighbors, now hangs precariously in the balance.
The idyllic community at Devon Oaks Park faces potential eviction, a consequence of a long-running dispute between the landowner, Burton Park Homes, and Dartmoor National Park authorities. Residents describe a growing sense of betrayal, feeling they were sold a promise of security that may never materialize.
“I love living here,” Sue Fice, 74, confessed, her voice laced with worry. “It’s a lovely community, and we don’t want to go. But now we may have to – all because someone’s sold us a pack of lies.” The countryside haven they cherished is now a source of profound anxiety.
Chris Griffiths, chair of the residents’ group, explains the core of the problem: Burton Park Homes repeatedly violated planning permissions. These breaches, he insists, were entirely outside the control of the residents, many of whom are elderly and deeply rooted in the local area.
A recent meeting with Dartmoor National Park planning members offered little comfort. While some members expressed concern for the residents’ plight, they were reportedly dismissed when questioning where displaced homeowners would go. The weight of policy, it seemed, overshadowed human compassion.
Residents witnessed the emotional toll the vote took on their neighbors, with some openly weeping. The decision, though seemingly mandated by regulations, felt deeply unjust, leaving many questioning the priorities of those in power.
Dartmoor National Park has pursued legal action against Burton Park Homes multiple times since 2018, successfully citing “various breaches of condition and unauthorized developments.” Despite these victories, the situation remains unresolved, with officials stating enforcement is now the only viable path forward.
The park authority maintains that residents have the option to apply for retrospective planning permission, a solution they have yet to pursue. This detail, however, offers little solace to those who feel they shouldn’t be burdened with rectifying the landowner’s mistakes.
A spokesperson for the park emphasized the landowner’s ultimate responsibility for compliance, acknowledging the complexity of the situation and expressing sensitivity towards the affected residents. Yet, the looming threat of eviction persists.
Lynne Watts and Chris Griffiths are leading the desperate campaign to allow residents to remain in their homes, fighting against a system that seems to prioritize regulations over the well-being of a vulnerable community. The future remains uncertain, shrouded in fear and a plea for understanding.
Peter and Jane Birdsall, like many others, face the devastating prospect of having nowhere else to go. Their financial resources are depleted, and the thought of starting over is overwhelming. The dream of a peaceful retirement has transformed into a nightmare of potential homelessness.
