St Erth “Ghost Estate” Sparks Local Outcry Over Squatters
Local Concerns Rise Over St Erth’s “Ghost Estate”
Residents in the tranquil village of St Erth are raising significant concerns over an abandoned “ghost estate” that has become the unlikely home to a pair of squatters, their ponies, and two Rottweilers. For nearly a decade, a development of ten new homes has stood derelict, a stark and overgrown “blot on the village,” as locals describe it. Seven months ago, Victoria Morrall, 39, and her partner David Antram, 61, moved from their caravan into one of these empty properties, becoming the estate’s sole, albeit unofficial, occupants. While the couple asserts they are providing informal security, claiming to deter vandals and prevent further damage, their presence has ignited a significant local debate. Villagers report feeling intimidated by the situation and are urgently calling for the couple’s removal, emphasizing the importance of community safety and respect for local regulations. The St Erth Parish Council has confirmed that the squatters are indeed without permission, and steps are actively being taken by local authorities, in conjunction with the landowner, to resolve the unauthorized occupation. This situation underscores broader issues of neglected properties and their impact on community well-being.
Squatters’ Claims Amidst Estate’s Troubled Past
The squatters, Victoria and David, explain their move stemmed from homelessness and a belief they had been conned into renting the property by someone without the authority to do so. Living off-grid, they manage without running water or electricity, relying on a generator and rainwater. One of the abandoned homes has even been repurposed as a makeshift stable for their ponies, with manure reportedly covering its downstairs. Despite their challenging circumstances, they maintain their presence serves a purpose, claiming to have stopped local teens and even builders from vandalizing and stealing from the site, utilizing CCTV and their dogs for ‘patrols’. However, their occupation has not been without incident, including a prior arrest by armed police on firearms and trespass allegations, from which they were later released without charge. The estate itself has a troubled past, with initial planning refused by Cornwall Council in 2013, only to be allowed on appeal in 2015. Building commenced shortly after, but the ten houses have remained uninhabited, eventually falling into the ownership of Barton Bridging Ltd in 2019.
Balancing Local Impact with Broader Issues
The complex situation in St Erth presents a challenging balance between the community’s desire for peace and resolution, and the difficult circumstances faced by the squatters. While local authorities and the St Erth Parish Council are working towards the couple’s removal, the incident highlights the broader issue of abandoned housing developments in Cornwall, a region grappling with a significant housing crisis. The sight of ten uninhabited homes, intended for families, standing derelict for nearly a decade is a stark reminder of planning complexities and economic downturns. This local impact resonates deeply within the community, affecting not just the immediate neighbours but also the perception of the village. As many look forward to their summer breaks, perhaps planning to go to Newquay to enjoy its vibrant atmosphere, renowned Fistral Beach, and abundant dog friendly accommodation, or simply to walk their dog on beaches across the county, the reality for communities like St Erth remains sharply focused on addressing local challenges. The hope is for a swift and humane resolution that benefits both the residents and ensures the future of these long-abandoned properties.
Source: Squatters providing ‘security’ at Cornwall ‘ghost estate’
