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Timeshare Consumers Association

Shakespeare Classic Line Limited

Timeshare Act 1992

In the case brought by Holiday Options UK Ltd now called Holiday Opportunities UK Ltd. (claimants) against Steven Payne & Jane Thompson (defendants)  in the Gloucester County Court on Friday16 June 2006 the Judge decided that Classic "Houseboats" were, for the purpose of the Timeshare Act 1992, caravans and were therefore regulated by the Act.   The Judge gave the claimants leave to appeal to a higher court.  The full judgement is here  (Word .DOC)
  • As at 14 July 2006 no appeal had been lodged by Holiday Options UK Ltd.
  • On 17 July  Timeshare Consumers Association wrote to Shakespeare  Classic Line Ltd. informing them of the Court decision of 16 June and advising that all future sales of timeshare into Houseboats at Barton Turns should comply with the Timeshare Act 1992.   see here.
  • On 2 October  Holiday Options UK Ltd lodged a (late) appeal against the court decision of 16 June
  • On 9 October the appeal was struck out by Judge Bursell, QC sitting in the  Bristol County Court.
  • On 31 October a further appeal was lodged.
  • The appeal on 23 January 2007 in Bristol failed
In a further case brought by Mr Jackson in the Worcester County Court on 16 May 2008 the Judge decided that the sale, by Prestige Vacations Limted t/a Shakespeare Holidays,  of timeshare in a "narrowboat"  was regulated by the Timeshare Act 1992.  Mr Jackson was awarded the full sum claimed. Details here

Planning Approval

  • Following advice from the local planning authority, the East Staffordshire Borough Council, that three existing "Houseboats"  at Barton Turns Marina required planning permission, Shakespeare Classic Line Ltd made a retrospecive application for planning approval on 14 March 2006
  • On 4 May 2006 the planing authority issued a notice of refusal of planning permission for the three  "Houseboats".
  • On 6 June 2006  the planning authorityl issued an enforcement order that the "Houseboats" must be removed by 14 August. Shakespeare Classic Line Ltd have until 14 July  to lodge an appeal against this enforcement order.
  • On 10 July 2006 Shakespeare Classic Line Ltd lodged an appeal against the enforcement order and applied for a public enquiry.
  • In September the Planning Inspectorate agreed to hold a public heearing. No date was put for this hearing.
  • Hearing date fixed for Tuesday 14 March 2007
  • On 29 March 2007 Shakespeare Classic Line Ltd are granted planning permission to retain a maximum of three houseboats at Barton Turns Marina provided that they are positioned to minimise their visual impact.

    • RCI quality rating.

    The Classic "Houseboats" are given the top rating in the RCI exchange system of "Gold Crown". The Classic narrow boats moored at the same marina are rated at "Silver Crown" which is one rating level below "Gold Crown"
     

    For other aspects of a purchase into a "Houseboat"  see here.       If you require any further information please Contact Us

     May 2008