RESIDENTS of a small town say it is being ruined by greedy landlords building a "second home village".
Residents of St Merryn, Cornwall, slammed the proposals as needless, especially amid the ongoing housing crisis in the county.
The owners of the St Merryn Holiday Park have submitted a planning application to build the "village" of around 50 holiday homes along with a new swimming pool.
Valley Resorts is hoping to build a set of two-storey homes, each with its own parking space and sleeping between one and four people.
However, the proposal has faced some stiff local opposition, with several people commenting on the application on the council's planning portal.
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One resident, Janet Yates-Adams wrote: "I think it would be an eyesore. It wouldn't look as open and we would lose the grassy area.
"The park is filled with holiday homes as it is."
Another, Gillian Watts, added: "There is no need for more homes on this space.
"With the continued building of 'second homes' the spirit of Cornwall is under enormous pressure as it is. Another 50 units here is beyond comprehension."
A third blasted the proposed homes as "unwanted and unneeded".
County councillor Steven Rushworth also opposed the plans, while the parish council voted against recommending them to the planning committee.
It comes at a time of great strain on Cornwall's housing market, with prices increasing 25% over the past two years, according to Rightmove.
Many locals blame the boom in staycations, holiday lets and AirBnBs for the hikes.
Residents of nearby Falmouth have claimed they are being forced out as tourists snap up second homes.
Solutions are thin on the ground as Cornwall Council has limited powers to regulate the housing market, leaving many uncertain of where they will live once they can no longer afford their current deal.
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It comes after the people of one Devon town said that they are crying out for young residents as it is being ruined by "too many old people".
A Valley Resorts spokesperson said: "St Merryn Holiday Park is an existing thriving holiday destination.
"We have worked with the Local Planning Authority for the recommended approval, allowing expansion of the existing Holiday Park for a further 46 new holiday properties and additional site facilities.
"We know the importance of the local housing needs of St Merryn and have provided a footpath for an adjoining residential housing scheme for 81 houses, that includes 51% affordable housing, which has been submitted by a separate applicant.
"We fully support affordable housing schemes and feel our proposed holiday properties within the existing St Merryn Holiday."
Cornwall Council have been contacted for comment.
