Redhouse Park and The Park Home Industry over the last 35 years

 From humble beginnings in 1955 when planning consent was granted for a permanent residential caravan site, Redhouse Park was completely redesigned to high standards in the mid seventies in order to accept the siting of larger, both longer and wider mobile homes with much improved specification over the ‘Caravans’ of previous years. Manufacturers had recognised the demand for better insulation, central heating, kitchen and bathroom furniture and fittings to rival bricks and mortar that in turn demanded higher prices. With such high outlays often representing a high percentage of prospective purchasers savings, it was obvious there needed to be improved safeguards to protect the interests of residents on Mobile Home Parks. In 1983 the Mobile Homes Act became law that gave residents the security of tenure they so needed against the unscrupulous operators that gave the industry a bad name. Since then we have seen further improvements in the industry where Trade Associations, Government Working Parties, Manufacturers and Associations representing the interests of residents, work together to raise standards and continue to improve the quality of life for residents of Park Homes.

Since the Mobile Homes Act 1983 we have seen additional legislation, - including the 2004 Housing Bill giving improved security of tenure amongst other changes. In 2008 Model Standards were revised for new Park Home developments and the Government is looking to encourage Local Authorities to allocate more resources to enforce the conditions of Site Licences. The Health and Safety Executive are seeking to ensure Parks operate safely in the use of LPG. The Environment Agency carry out regular checks to watercourses to monitor the quality of water discharged into our waterways and rivers. Some of this legislation is unwelcome in that it does increase the operating costs on the Park but it must be remembered that safety cannot be compromised and together with a clean environment contributes considerably to our quality of life. We, the owners welcome these changes where it can help to ensure professional management of all Parks. It is always the bad parks that attract the most publicity and these are often used as a bench mark by the uninitiated to judge the rest. We are ‘tarred with the same brush’.

Within the last 10 years Government Regulators in their respective quangos Ofwat and Ofgem for Water, Natural Gas & Electricity etc. have implemented further legislation to control the resale of water, gas and electricity. This resulted largely from vast overcharging often on tenants in rented accommodation and the law now requires the resale of utilities such as water and electricity to be ‘passed through’ at cost price, that is the price actually paid to the supplier. Again a welcome move that is fair to all and will help to provide further transparency into the operation and cost of Park management.

Redhouse Park – Continuous Progress

The Park is pleasantly situated in rural surroundings, remote from the many difficulties and problems faced by other developments, traffic, noise, pollution, crime, children, vandalism, flooding etc. Peace and tranquillity here is valued highly by most.

Residents take pride in their home and garden and generally contribute towards a healthy thriving community.

We aim to work together with our residents and residents Association to continue to improve the facilities and quality of life for everyone on the Park.

Since the turn of the century, a number of projects to improve the Park and amenities have been undertaken at considerable investment including:

Installation of an Entrance Barrier:

With the increase in traffic and strangers driving around the park it was necessary to install a barrier that has not only improved the security of the park but given residents peace of mind.

Piped Underground LPG network:

Gas bottles, originally provided were unsightly and caused damage to roads upon delivery. They were replaced by individual mini bulk tanks but delivery vehicles were noisy and obstructed the roads for lengthy periods.  These outdated facilities have now been replaced with a piped underground system with gas meters to each home making the Park a safer, better place and at the same time providing residents with cheaper gas.

Improvements to Electricity supply:

The electricity supply network was upgraded with new cabling, equipment and safety switches in 2006 giving a much improved reliability of the electrical infrastructure whilst doubling the maximum load capability to each home.

Treatment of Waste:

Our privately maintained sewage treatment plant discharges to the land drain. Historically it was difficult to meet the Environment Agency's extremely tight parameters for quality and purity of discharge, so to assist, we constructed a reed bed in 2002 that has operated very successfully without any further concerns from the Environment Agency.

Working together with Redhouse Park Residents Association:

The Company purchased a portacabin in 2005 that was for the exclusive use by the residents in pursuit of community and leisure interests. We are happy to work with the residents and actively encourage membership towards a strong and healthy association.