By Mark Mackay

ELDERLY HOME-BUYERS fear being left in limbo as the threat of eviction hangs over them even before they move into their new properties.

Several pensioners have been caught up in the ongoing wrangle between Perth and Kinross Council and Lancashire developer Welch Homes, whose two retirement communities in Crieff have so far proved extremely popular with buyers from all over the world.

However, residents of the Mill House site were told in late June that permanent residency is not allowed on the former holiday caravan park. Perth and Kinross Council’s stance is vastly at odds with that of the developer, which is disputing the enforcement notices issued.

The Executive is considering appeals lodged by couples already living on the site.

While the dispute has raged, sales have continued. For those currently buying a property at the site, the situation is every bit as daunting. Some buyers are becoming increasingly concerned for their futures and fear they will be made homeless before they ever take up residence.

Among those affected are Scots June Dolan and husband Alan, a Dundonian, who hope to return to Scotland after more than 40 years living south of the border.

The couple are due to move to Mill House Park in just two weeks after selling their home in Redditch, Worcestershire, and contacted The Courier to express their concerns. “We have lived in England for the last 41 years, but we are both Scottish-born and bred,” said June.

“We always said that when we retired we would like to return and when we were up in Scotland at the beginning of May we fell in love with the site.

“We picked our home, paid our deposit, came back to Redditch and put our house up for sale, sold it—along with a lot of our belongings—and in two weeks were moving back to Scotland.

“Now I do not know what is happening, and we were so looking forward to moving back. At 60 years old you do not need all this upset.

“The site is a really good idea for the over-50s who just want peace and quiet and the chance to relax. I can’t understand the council’s attitude to this and I hope they can be convinced to see sense.”