Residents of a picturesque village in England are being displaced by an influx of holidaymakers taking over the area. Blakeney, located in North Norfolk, experiences a surge in visitors during the summer months, attracted by its charming stone houses, a renowned hotel, and large seal colonies in the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
In contrast, winter paints a quieter scene as tourist numbers dwindle, leaving many traditional fishing cottages vacant. The village’s allure was evident during a late November visit, with the River Glaven meandering through the National Nature Reserve near the celebrated Manor Coastal Hotel and Inn.
Blakeney Point is famed for its seal populations, with guided boat tours available year-round. Over the years, the estuary has filled with silt, restricting access to larger vessels due to the decline in the fishing industry.
Once a thriving fishing village, Blakeney has transformed into a popular holiday destination, bustling with activity during the summer season. However, the surge in visitors has led to concerns among long-time residents like Tore, who returned to the village a decade ago after residing in Libya.
Tore, a Blakeney native, is part of a community housing initiative catering to local residents struggling with housing affordability amidst soaring property prices. The Blakeney Neighbourhood Housing Society aims to provide affordable housing to locals, combating the trend of properties becoming second homes or retirement retreats.
The disparity between house prices and average wages in the region prompted the district council to implement a 100% levy on Council Tax for second home owners in North Norfolk. While acknowledging tourism’s economic importance, the council seeks to address the impact of an excessive number of holiday properties on the local housing market.
Chairperson Rosemary Thew of the Blakeney Parish Council highlighted the challenges posed by the high proportion of second homes, pricing out locals and dimming the village’s vibrancy, especially during the winter months when many properties remain unoccupied.
These measures aim to strike a balance between sustaining the local economy through tourism while ensuring housing remains accessible to residents in a village where property prices far exceed the national average.