As some of you know I've been away for the last month doing the census thing. Although I'm not allowed to talk about my work and was asked to sign the official secrets act, I am however allowed to generalise on what I did.
As a lad I spent a lot of time in Carbis Bay St Ives. It was a quaint little area that brings back warm memories. I remember the little cottages and the pleasant walk down to the golden sands on Carbis Bay beach.
Recently I revisited after nearly a 30 year break.
The area has changed significantly and where once stood Cornish cottages there are multi storey luxury flats. I was shocked how much the place had changed and how few actually live there any longer.
One property that caught my eye was a luxury bungalow with 5 bedrooms and a serious amount of grounds around it... That was £6,000 a week to rent. Other places were also luxurious, almost pent house status.
OK Carbis Bay is allowed to be developed and there is nothing wrong with capitalising on the beauty of the place, but what of the local economy? What of this money is actually staying here or there rather.
My best guess is that 70% of the population of Carbis Bay are holiday homes or second homes. This has pushed the housing prices up. The averaged house price at its cheapest is about £230,000 and only a few feet down the road £350,000.
So how much of this can the local person afford?
My question is is development good for the locals or not?
As a lad I spent a lot of time in Carbis Bay St Ives. It was a quaint little area that brings back warm memories. I remember the little cottages and the pleasant walk down to the golden sands on Carbis Bay beach.
Recently I revisited after nearly a 30 year break.
The area has changed significantly and where once stood Cornish cottages there are multi storey luxury flats. I was shocked how much the place had changed and how few actually live there any longer.
One property that caught my eye was a luxury bungalow with 5 bedrooms and a serious amount of grounds around it... That was £6,000 a week to rent. Other places were also luxurious, almost pent house status.
OK Carbis Bay is allowed to be developed and there is nothing wrong with capitalising on the beauty of the place, but what of the local economy? What of this money is actually staying here or there rather.
My best guess is that 70% of the population of Carbis Bay are holiday homes or second homes. This has pushed the housing prices up. The averaged house price at its cheapest is about £230,000 and only a few feet down the road £350,000.
So how much of this can the local person afford?
My question is is development good for the locals or not?