Residents of a picturesque village in England are feeling the squeeze as holidaymakers dominate the area, forcing some locals out. Blakeney, located in North Norfolk, experiences a surge in visitors during the summer months, drawn to its charming stone houses, top-rated hotel, and thriving seal colonies. However, the village transforms in winter, with a noticeable decrease in visitors and many traditional fishing homes sitting vacant.
Known for its seal populations, Blakeney Point offers guided boat tours year-round, though changes in the coastline have restricted harbor access over time. Once a fishing village, Blakeney has shifted into a popular holiday destination, with summer months bustling with tourists filling up the local pubs and accommodations.
Tore, a resident who returned to Blakeney after years away, highlights the housing challenges faced by locals due to soaring property prices driven by second-home ownership. The Blakeney Neighbourhood Housing Society aims to provide affordable housing for the community amidst a backdrop of rising property values in the area.
With concerns over the affordability of housing for locals, the district council has implemented measures to address the issue, including a significant increase in Council Tax for second home owners and tenants. While tourism remains vital to the village’s economy, the prevalence of second homes raises affordability concerns for residents, with around half of the properties being secondary residences. The local council is striving to strike a balance between supporting tourism and ensuring housing accessibility for the community.
