Our pretty seaside town is being ruined by million-dollar flats – now posh tourists are going to take over

FUMING residents say their pretty seaside town is being ruined by million-dollar flats - and that posh tourists are now taking over.

A block of 37 luxury flats in Carbis Bay near St Ives, Cornwall has sat unoccupied since it was built.

Developers allegedly promised that the flats would be permanent homes for over-55s - but now want to turn the complex into an "aparthotel".

Local John Bestwick, 76, told The Sun: ";The developers had a chance to sell their flats to permanent residents.

"But then greed took over and the prices demanded were ridiculous.

"Some of those flats were going for £3million.

"When inflation and interest rates shot up, the buyers all vanished.

He added: ";We live next door and went through three years of hell while they built this big, horrible metal box like something you’d find down Tilbury Docks.

"It wouldn’t have been so bad if they really were providing permanent homes for people using our shops, pubs and cafes - that’s what we need.

"I’m fed up with developers who use our community to squeeze money out of wealthy tourists."

David Owen, 71, said: "We had to bend over backwards to build a little extension that no one even notices.

"Why should big property developers do whatever they want? This is a total blot on the landscape.

"Here we have a company which has come to Cornwall, created an eyesore and now wants to game the planning system before heading off back to London."

Local Stephen Brewer said: "I now don’t believe they ever intended to provide permanent homes.

"I used to walk past the sales office regularly and never saw it open. Neither did I see any local advertising. The whole thing feels wrong."

Inge Beman, 83, said: "I hope the whole building slips down the side of the hill while it’s still empty.

"They are trying to take advantage of a planning loophole.  If they got permission for permanent homes they should stick to that."

Pensioner Heather Spratley, 75, said: "The building looks like an Amazon warehouse.

"It has changed the whole feel of this tranquil valley and the views around Carbis Bay.

"Permanent homes would at least help keep life in our community. But this is just glorified holiday accommodation."

Cornwall Council leader Linda Taylor said: "What Carbis Bay does not need is this proposed development.

"It adds nothing to the value of the community and could, and will be, second homes thus circumnavigating the local neighbourhood plan.

"I’m really fearful – and I’m speaking on behalf of the community – this is steamrolling that really important policy."

The complex is managed by Carbis Bay Hotel on behalf of developers Derrington Group.

Hotel owner Stephen Baker said: "We re-modelled and enlarged all our facilities on our estate in preparation for the G7 Summit in 2021.

"More visitors would give us much needed additional footfall to fulfil our existing potential and would also be beneficial to other businesses.

"Since the G7 Carbis Bay Summit, and our area having been brought to the international stage, we are seeing interest as never before from holidaymakers in respect of aparthotel-style accommodation."

A spokesperson for Carbis Bay Hotel said: "Carbis Bay Hotel were approached by the developer Derrington Group to operate a possible apart-hotel adjacent to our estate.

"We are currently awaiting further information from the development company regarding future operating opportunities."

The Sun has approached the Derrington Group for comment.