Squatters Claim Security Role in Cornish 'Ghost Estate' Dispute
A quiet Cornish village has become embroiled in a heated dispute over a pair of squatters residing in a long-abandoned housing development, with the individuals claiming they serve as unofficial security while locals demand their immediate removal.
The Unusual Residents of St Erth's Derelict Estate
Victoria Morrall, 39, and David Antram, 61, have been living in the downstairs of one property within a development of ten homes that has stood empty for nearly a decade in St Erth, Cornwall. The couple moved from their caravan several months ago and now occupy the derelict site alongside two ponies and two Rottweiler dogs.
According to Ms Morrall, they live completely off-grid in a property lacking basic utilities. 'We basically just live in the downstairs. There is a room seven by four metres. There is a front room, kitchen and a bedroom area. We cope - as we were living in a caravan for six years - so this is a bit of a step up,' she explained.
Village Tensions and Eviction Demands
The couple's presence has sparked significant controversy within the small community, with many residents describing the situation as 'intimidating' and calling for their eviction. Photographs of the estate show one of the other properties has been converted into a makeshift stable for their ponies, with manure covering the ground floor.
Local authorities have confirmed they are working with the landowner to remove the pair from the site. St Erth Parish Council stated clearly: 'The couple living on the site originally entered the property late last year without the permission of the landowner.'
The Security Claim and Ongoing Vandalism
Ms Morrall maintains that their presence has actually benefited the abandoned estate. 'We are the security at the moment,' she asserted, claiming they have prevented teenagers from vandalizing the properties. 'There have been loads of local teens coming in and vandalising the site. Local builders have even come in and stolen bits - hence why the gates were locked in the first place.'
The couple say they have an informal arrangement with the current landowner, Barton Bridging Ltd, who acquired the property in 2019 after the previous owner went into receivership. According to Ms Morrall, they were told they could remain until finding alternative accommodation.
A Troubled History and Police Involvement
The estate's troubles date back to its initial planning stages. The original application for ten homes was submitted in 2013 but initially refused by Cornwall Council, which deemed it 'an isolated development in the countryside to the detriment of the rural character of the area.' After an appeal, permission was granted in March 2015, but the homes were never completed or inhabited.
Police have been called to the site on multiple occasions, including one incident in January when firearms officers were deployed following reports of a woman with a suspected firearm. Two air weapons and a machete were seized during that incident, and both Ms Morrall and Mr Antram were arrested on suspicion of trespass on land with a firearm before being released without charge.
Living Conditions and Community Backlash
Describing their challenging living situation, Ms Morrall said: 'It is odd. At first it was weird. With no running water, no electric. We have to rely on a generator and get rain water. It has been a struggle, but you just cope.'
The couple report facing significant abuse from some community members. 'We have been called travellers, gypsies, druggies - you name it we've been called it,' Ms Morrall revealed. 'We've had animal welfare out for horses twice and they've taken one look and realised it was all very malicious. We have had quite a lot of problems with the parish council. Some of the locals are just horrible.'
Future Plans for the Derelict Site
Once the couple vacate the premises, the parish council has outlined specific security measures: 'All properties will be boarded up, the perimeter secured, CCTV installed and a security company appointed to carry out regular inspections.'
The estate, now fenced off and overgrown, has been described by locals as a 'blot on the village' of St Erth. Ms Morrall herself characterized the scene as resembling an 'apocalypse scene,' highlighting the stark contrast between the abandoned development and the surrounding Cornish countryside.
As the dispute continues, the situation raises broader questions about property rights, community relations, and the challenges of managing derelict developments in rural areas. Both local authorities and the landowner are working toward a resolution, while the squatters maintain their presence serves a protective purpose for the long-neglected estate.
