Seaside town split in half as war on second homes creates a tale of two estates | UK | News
Kilns land next to Bernicia Road, habitable only as permanent residence (Image: Katielee Arrowsmith / SWNS)
A seaside village that banned new holiday homes has been split in two, creating a “tale of two properties”. New development The Kilns in Beadnell, Northumberland, is reserved for full-time residents, while neighboring Bernicia Way is dominated by second homes and holiday homes.
Residents say this stark divide shows how oppression breathes life into the community. Jennifer Hall, 75, whose family has lived in Beadnell for centuries, noted the strict residence conditions at The Kilns.
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Olivia Coyle and partner Chris are landlords of The Kilns estate (Image: Katielee Arrowsmith / SWNS)
“Every house has a requirement to occupy the land on which it is built, which means they must be used as a permanent residence forever. Even if a house is demolished, if a new house is built on that land, that land must be used as a permanent residence,” said Jennifer Hall.
But he said the difference with the old property was clear.
Jennifer Hall added: “Just behind The Kilns is Bernicia Road, built in 1999 before the neighborhood plan was drawn up in 2018. This is second homes or holiday lets; no permanent homes.”
Eight years ago Beadnell introduced a rule requiring all homes on new developments to be permanent residences. This follows the 2021 census, which revealed 61% of the village’s 750 homes were holiday properties. Locals say the lockdown has strengthened the community. Chris, 34, moved to Beadnell eight months ago with his partner Olivia Coyle, 30.
Jennifer Hall Beadnell, who was born in the village and whose family had lived there since the 1680s (Image: Katielee Arrowsmith / SWNS)
Chris said: “There’s definitely a lot more in terms of entertainment, bars, cafes and that sort of thing than there used to be.”
Olivia Coyle added: “One of the main reasons we wanted to buy here was because we didn’t want to live right next to empty houses.”
Chris noted that the village was still quiet outside of the busy months, but it no longer felt desolate. Beadnell was among the first to act, following St Ives in Cornwall, where residents voted for similar restrictions in 2016. Norfolk’s coastal communities, such as Burnham Market, followed suit. However, holiday resorts continue to dominate the region.
Jennifer Hall said: “In the summer the place is packed; you can’t get into a bar or book a table in a restaurant. It’s crowded everywhere.”
However, he explained that it is quieter in the winter.
Beadnell, Northumberland (Image: Katielee Arrowsmith / SWNS)
Jennifer Hall said: “There’s no light in any of the windows. If you’re the only older person living on a particular street, you can feel lonely.”
Ms Hall, whose ancestors arrived in the 1600s, said tourism was part of Beadnell’s history. His great-grandmother even had the village’s first hotel built.
Jennifer Hall said: “It’s still a great place and a lovely community, but it’s different. We started these commercial leases back in the early 2000s. They were built as investments. They’re also small tourist factories.”
Rising prices are making it harder for young locals to stay, he added.
Jennifer Hall added: “Maybe young people who work in the tourism industry and aren’t paid very well can’t afford to buy the types of homes they clean. And they can’t get special permits because the owners are evicting tenants and turning them into holiday homes.”
Others say second homeowners are vital. Val Graham, 62, who runs the shop in the village, warned that small businesses were reliant on them.
Val Graham said: “Without second homes and holiday lets, small businesses in Beadnell cannot survive. Many of these second home owners and families support small local businesses not just during the holiday season but throughout the year.”
The debate has intensified since councils gained the power to double council tax on second homes. Retired lawyer Christopher Brown, who moved there permanently after buying a holiday home in 2000, is aware of the restrictions.
Christopher Brown said: “I think that’s a fair approach, because then it can start to build, strengthen and increase the size of the real community.”
But he questioned the tax push because less could be spent locally.
Christopher Brown added: “Double council tax is a bit of a blunt instrument to extort money from people. You’ll pay anywhere from £2,500 to £5,000, which is £2,500 that could be spent in local restaurants and other businesses.”
