The Ramsay effect... as locals push for second homes ban

‘We have reached a tipping point’

IT has long been a playground of the rich and famous, with fans including Princes William and Harry and fiery Scots chef Gordon Ramsay.

But demand for second homes around Rock and Polzeath in Cornwall has sent house prices spiralling to an average of £826,000.

Now parish councils covering the area have drawn up plans to restrict new housing to permanent residents.

Locals will be balloted on the idea today when they go to the polls for council elections.

Among the celebrities with second homes in the area are Renfrewshire-born Ramsay and his family, who own two properties in Rock. Not only are they rebuilding a 1920s home they bought only two years ago for £4.4million but they have also spent £4million on a ‘stop-gap’ six-bedroom property to use in the meantime.

Comedian Harry Enfield, , also owns a property near Rock, where he has been a visitor since he was a boy.

Former Prime Minister David Cameron is believed to have been eyeing holiday homes around the nearby Daymer Beach area.

Carol Mould, a member of St Minver Lowlands Parish Council, which covers the area of Rock, Trebetherick and part of Polzeath, said: ‘The problem is parts of the parish are running at 7 per cent second homes. Across the area as a whole, the figure is 9 per cent.

‘We have never wanted our second home owners to feel unwelcome but we have reached a tipping point and you have to sustain your community.’

George Trubody, county councillor for neighbouring Rame Peninsula, said: ‘From all the consultation events and evidence gathered, our community is adamant that we have enough second homes and something needs to be done.’