It could be two months before Mill House residents learn their fate

Perth and Kinross Council has served eviction notices on people living at the Mill House park in Crieff.

It said the developer, Welch Homes, did not apply for planning permission to use the site for residential purposes.

Welch Homes maintains that the land has unrestricted planning permission dating from the early 1960s.

The firm believes that means year-round occupancy is permitted.

'Medical problems'

Resident Lionel Harrison told BBC Scotland the situation is taking its toll.

"We bought the house under the impression that everything was okay and there was no problem with planning permission," he said.

"Then out of the blue the council comes up and decides we're on the park illegally.

"Some of us have got severe medical problems and it's been very traumatic and very stressful"

Ochil and South Perthshire Labour MP Gordon Banks is backing the residents' campaign to stay.

He said: "All the time Perth and Kinross Council has been taking council tax and encouraging the residents here to go on the electoral roll, taking the council tax without a second home deduction.

"So our argument is that from day one Perth and Kinross Council were fully aware of how this site was being occupied."

We understand the concerns of residents at the site and hope that the matter can be resolved as quickly as possible Welch Homes

A council spokesman said: "Perth and Kinross Council considers that a material change of use has taken place at Mill House Caravan Park from non-permanent holiday accommodation to permanent residential accommodation.

"The developer did not apply for planning permission for this change of use. After careful consideration the council issued enforcement notices which are now the subject of appeal at this inquiry."

A spokesman for Welch Homes said: "We understand the concerns of residents at the site and hope that the matter can be resolved as quickly as possible."

This situation mirrors that which affected residents at the developer's other site in the town - Park Village.

In that case the council did eventually allow the pensioners to stay.