A bitter neighbourhood dispute has erupted in the picturesque Cornish fishing village of Portscatho, where a wealthy City financier's plans to transform a former council house into a luxury holiday home have sparked outrage among local residents.
The £1.2 Million Property at the Heart of the Conflict
Andrew Giller, a successful investment manager, purchased the modest three-bedroom property for £425,000 in 2021. Now valued at approximately £1.2 million after extensive renovations, the house has become the centrepiece of a growing class conflict that pits wealthy second-home owners against local residents struggling with the area's housing crisis.
Neighbours Voice Furious Opposition
Local opposition has been swift and vocal. One neighbour directly expressed their concerns to Mr Giller, stating the proposed holiday let would be "detrimental to the character of our close-knit community" and warning of "increased noise, parking issues, and loss of permanent residents."
The planning application submitted to Cornwall Council seeks permission to use the property as a holiday let for up to ten months each year, a move opponents argue will further diminish the village's already shrinking permanent population.
A Pattern of Wealth Displacement
This confrontation reflects a broader trend across Cornwall, where local communities are increasingly being priced out of their own villages. The county has become a hotspot for wealthy buyers seeking second homes and investment properties, driving up prices and transforming once-thriving communities into seasonal ghost towns.
The Developer's Perspective
Mr Giller, who runs London-based hedge fund Kilter Capital, maintains that his plans will bring economic benefits to the area. Through planning documents, he argues that holiday lets support local businesses and create employment opportunities in an economy heavily dependent on tourism.
Council Faces Growing Pressure
Cornwall Council now faces mounting pressure to address the holiday let controversy. With over 10,000 second homes currently registered in the county and holiday lets comprising significant portions of some coastal communities, local authorities are grappling with balancing economic benefits against community sustainability.
The planning committee's decision on Mr Giller's application is expected in the coming weeks, with the outcome likely to set a precedent for similar disputes across Cornwall and other popular UK tourist destinations facing similar challenges.
