Fowey residents vote for a ban on newly-built second homes

People in Fowey have voted to ban newly-built houses should be sold as second homes in a referendum.

The Cornish town will be the latest to impose a ban, following in the footsteps of St Ives and Mevagissey, in an attempt to help local residents and cut down on the number of empty properties.

The question being put to voters was: “Do you want Cornwall Council to use the neighbourhood plan for Fowey to help it decide planning applications in the neighbourhood area?”

90% of those who took part voted in favour. There was a turn out of 33.5% with less than 10% voting against the Fowey Neighbourhood Plan..

It is estimated that around a third of properties in Fowey are second homes. Credit: ITV News
Estate agent Jane Thomas says the local housing market needs to be addressed. Credit: ITV News

The issue of permanent residence is just one of 20 policies detailed in the Fowey Neighbourhood Plan. As it now carries full weight in decision-making, the local planning authority and planning inspectors must abide by it when considering planning applications or appeals in Fowey and Polkerris.