Published on : Thursday, July 11, 2019
Regarding the question “Do you think that tourism should in any way be restricted in and around Wells by controls over development?” 77.8pc -235 – said yes and 17.2pc – 52 – said no. The town’s chairman Roger Arguile said that he is unsurprised by the results.
Mr. Arguile said: “There are some new housing areas, one, which is called Mainsail Yard, and there’s only one local person living there. In winter, a lot of the town is dark because no-one is there.”
He said that the percentage of second homes in Wells have jumped from 21pc 10 years ago to 31pc today, but in the previous 10 years, it only increased by 1pc.
To quote Mr. Arguile, “There has been a huge influx, and it’s put a major strain on prices. It’s very rare to see anything less than £350,000 on the market and there is an increasing number of properties that sell for more £1m. Very few working people can afford to buy a house in Wells and that has some serious effects.”
He added: “We need more genuinely affordable houses.”
Tourism was worth £505m for North Norfolk in 2017. Second homes owners ‘hollowing out’ popular towns and villages is an ongoing issue in North Norfolk.
North Norfolk MP Sir Norman Lamb said that he is doubtful whether tourism could be restricted; however, the issue of second homes should be tackled. He said: “A high proportion of homes being second homes can rip the heart out of a community. I think making sure local people can find a home is the most important thing.”
Tags: Survey in Norfolk