Cornwall ghost estate where nobody has ever lived finally goes up for sale
A Cornwall housing estate that has stood empty since 2019, with just 10 homes built, is on the market.
An entire housing estate in Cornwall, where not a single person has ever lived despite homes being built nearly seven years ago, has been put up for sale.
The abandoned development in Calstock has become a source of anger among villagers, with just 10 of the planned 33 properties ever built before work ground to a halt in 2019.
The Bridge View Nurseries estate in the Tamar Valley was originally granted planning permission in 2018, with plans for 33 homes, including 15 affordable properties.
However, the project became embroiled in a lengthy planning dispute, with developers Construction Partners Ltd claiming delays from Cornwall Council caused costs to spiral out of control.
The firm, run by Michael Wight and Adele Fulner, said it had accumulated £1.2 million in interest payments while waiting for revised plans to be approved, leaving it unable to afford to finish the development.
Following a revised Section 106 agreement, the affordable housing provision was also reduced from 15 homes to 10.
Now, the entire 3.85-acre site has been listed for sale through Stratton Creber Commercial, although the asking price is available only on application.
The estate agent's listing says the site includes 10 houses, either fully or partially completed, infrastructure works, foundations for additional properties and part of a retaining wall.
Eight of the existing homes are described as being at virtual completion, although some still require finishing touches, including flooring, white goods and snagging work.
An 11th property was also started but has deteriorated so badly that it could require demolition and reconstruction.
The listing confirms that none of the affordable homes have been built or even started. Anyone buying the site will also face a Section 106 contribution of almost £100,000 towards education and open space, alongside requirements to complete the roads to an adoptable standard.
The development has sparked anger locally, with residents questioning why the promised affordable housing never materialised.
One villager said: "At the moment the whole debacle is disgusting. Just give it to the local council to allocate to Cornish locals."
Another called for unfinished developments to be compulsorily purchased and turned into affordable housing to help tackle homelessness and overcrowding.
One local added: "South east Cornwall is one of the most deprived areas in the country - perhaps building houses for wealthy people from outside the area isn't the best way forward for the community."
Developers have previously accused the council of 'weaponising' legal agreements, claiming additional requirements, including a second road and a £750,000 retaining wall, eroded their budget.
Cornwall Council said it had done all it could to work with the company while ensuring planning policies were followed.
The authority added that it remains in discussions with stakeholders to secure the development, including its affordable housing element, and confirmed it is currently considering a revised planning application.
After years of standing empty, the sale could offer a fresh opportunity to complete the estate. However, locals will be hoping any new buyer finally delivers the affordable homes originally promised.