Timeshare Consumers Association

Shakespeare Classic Line Limited

If you have a County Court claim from Shakespeare Classic Line Ltd.
CLICK HERE

See also "Classic Cruisers" membership bought in Exeter Here

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"
Renting out narrow boats
An independent website www.canalbarge.co.uk provides a rental service for owners of Classic Lines boats.

For other aspects of a purchase into a "Houseboat" see here.       If you require any further information please Contact Us
August 2009