A RESIDENTIAL Property Tribunal hearing, the first of its kind in the region, has found in favour of people living in a residential park in Okehampton.

The hearing was held on September 23 at Central Devon Magistrates Court to establish the legitimacy of the Oaklands Park Residents' Association which was challenged by the park operator.

Oaklands is a residential park, full of static mobile homes designed to provide affordable housing for those looking to get on the property ladder, or for those looking to free up capital later in life.

The tribunal issued its decision notice on October 6 to uphold the application made by the Oaklands Park Residents' Association and orders that it is a qualifying residents' association for the purposes of the Mobile Homes Act 1983, The order lasts for a period of three years.

Roger Pavely, secretary of the Oaklands Park Residents' Association, said: 'It's a great decision that starts to vindicate what we have been saying all along. It is a long process, but it will help the residents here a lot.

'In future if the owner wishes to do any work on the site he has to come to us first.

'It is a symbolic victory for us, being the first of its kind in the South West. Everybody here is happy about it, and we hope it can bring about change.'

Among those in attendance at the hearing were residents from Oaklands and residents from four other residents' associations in Exeter, Paignton, Tedburn St Mary and Plympton.

The owners, Oaklands Park Ltd, could not be contacted for comment.