In the picturesque village of Calstock, frustration is mounting among locals as a once-promising housing development has stood empty and incomplete for eight years. The so-called “ghost estate” of 33 newly built homes remains boarded up, with no residents in sight.
Originally approved in 2018, the development was set to include 15 affordable homes. However, escalating construction costs and a prolonged seven-year planning dispute have left the project frozen. The outcome has deeply disappointed the community.
Residents have voiced their anger, blaming the stalled project on the reduction of affordable housing units and the developers’ alleged focus on attracting wealthy buyers from outside the area. One resident, living adjacent to the estate, described the situation as “absolutely ridiculous” and called for the development to be handed over to the local council to prioritize housing for Cornish locals.
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Others advocate for the council to seize the properties and convert them into social housing rather than allowing them to remain unused or face demolition. One commenter emphasized that councils should have the power to revoke planning permissions if developments remain incomplete past deadlines, highlighting the widespread issue of unfinished homes across Cornwall and the UK.
The developers behind the project, Michael Wight and Adele Fulner of Construction Partners Ltd, initially planned for nearly half the homes to be affordable. However, in response to Cornwall Council’s revised planning requirements, this number was reduced, reportedly contributing to the financial strain. Mr. Wight has accused the council of “weaponising” legal agreements by imposing costly additional requirements like a second road and a retaining wall, which significantly eroded the project’s budget.
Cornwall Council acknowledges the ongoing challenges and states that it remains engaged in discussions with all stakeholders to find a resolution. A council spokesperson reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring the delivery of the approved housing, including the critical affordable homes, while adhering to local and national planning policies.
As the stalemate continues, local families are urging authorities to take decisive action to transform the long-abandoned estate into a valuable resource for those in need of housing within the community.