Blairgowrie Holiday Lodge Owners Given Two Years to Find Permanent Residences
Lodge owners at a Blairgowrie holiday park have been instructed to find permanent accommodations within the next two years after their appeals were rejected this week. The dispute arose after claims that owners were misled into believing they could reside permanently in their lodges. Perth and Kinross Council issued enforcement notices in September 2024 to six lodges and the previous owners, Heritage Park Estates, for allegedly breaching planning regulations.
The lodge owners appealed the notices, but the Scottish Government upheld the council’s decision and rejected the appeals, except for one lodge for which the enforcement notice was withdrawn in November 2024. Owners have until the end of 2026 to provide the council with a permanent address. The development at Bendochy Park, formerly Bendochy Broiler Farm, was granted planning permission in September 2022 for holiday accommodation only, not permanent residences.
A complaint to the Advertising Standards Agency in August 2023 found a national press advert for the park to be misleading, suggesting the units could be used as main residences when they were only licensed for holiday use. Perth and Kinross Council issued enforcement notices to the park’s company and lodge owners in September 2024. The company has since gone into liquidation, complicating matters.
Conservative MSP Murdo Fraser has called for stricter legislation regarding holiday park accommodations, expressing concern over the alleged mis-selling of the properties. Although the Trading Standards team could not pursue the case due to the park’s ownership transfer and liquidation, efforts are ongoing to protect buyers of such properties in the future. The council is collaborating with various departments to resolve the issue sensitively and provide support to affected residents.
Perthshire Lodge Company, now overseeing the holiday park, has assured cooperation with the council and lodge owners to find a resolution. The company insists on adhering to planning rules and ensuring a fair outcome for all parties involved. With the dismissal of appeals and the pressing need for compliance, efforts to rectify the situation and prevent future discrepancies in the park homes sector are underway.
Insights:
The case of Blairgowrie holiday lodge owners highlights the importance of transparency and accuracy in property advertising and sales. It also underscores the significance of regulatory oversight and consumer protection in the real estate sector. The two-year deadline set for lodge owners to find permanent residences poses challenges but also emphasises the need for prompt resolution and fair outcomes in such disputes. Moving forward, stricter legislation and enhanced consumer safeguards can help prevent similar issues and ensure ethical practices in property transactions.