MORE than 100 people living full-time on a holiday park will have to leave their "dream" homes.
Residents at Lakeminster Park, in Woodmansey, are devastated after an inspector upheld East Riding Council's refusal of permission for the 76 chalets to continue in use as permanent homes.
Planning inspector John Braithwaite found the breach of planning control at Lakeminster Park was "serious and, if not remedied, would set a precedent for similar breaches elsewhere".
Mr Braithwaite, who chaired a public inquiry into the row last month, upheld a council enforcement notice, which could now see the 130 residents lose their homes within 18 months.
Mr Braithwaite stated in his ruling: "It is not surprising that the residents of Lakeminster Park were attracted to live on the appeal site.
"It became a secure retirement village of detached properties in the countryside, yet close to Beverley.
"It is also not surprising that the residents, originally at least and given their similar circumstances, formed a supportive and close-knit community.
"But the dream they bought into has become a nightmare, because Lakeminster Park is, in reality, a housing development in the countryside that conflicts with the development plan.
"The enforcement action taken by the council was expedient, proportionate, and in the public interest."
Pensioner Alan Coates, who moved to the park five years ago with his wife Hilary, had appealed against the enforcement action.
He said: "I feel dismay and disbelief that at a development of this kind, where people have been living for close on five years, a planning inspector thinks the council is right to evict everyone.
"I will be considering whether an appeal to the High Court on the grounds of human rights would be appropriate."
The inspector acknowledged residents "will all be feeling anxious" but suggested 18 months would give them sufficient time to find suitable alternative accommodation.
He stated: "For many residents the financial implications of the enforcement notices being upheld will be profound and they will have to rely on the council for alternative residential accommodation.
"This will be a burden for the council's housing services and one which the council will have been aware of at the time they resolved to take enforcement action but there is no evidence to indicate that they would be unable to fulfil their responsibilities."
East Riding Council's head of planning, Pete Ashcroft, said: "We welcome the planning inspector's decision and that the action taken by the council was correct.
"We understand the concerns of the park's residents and, if they have not yet done so, we would strongly advise them to seek legal advice on this decision and what options are now open to them.
"The council will now analyse the decision in full before considering whether to comment further."
Gosschalks Solicitors in Hull, is representing about 70 park residents in connection with claims relating to the sale of their park homes.
Robert Thomson, partner at Gosschalks, said: "The inspector's decision was not unexpected and confirmed some of our clients' worst fears. The decision increases the importance of the claims we are pursuing on behalf of our clients."
Lakeminster Park developer William Flannigan could not be contacted for comment.
