Cornwall and the three new towns

The governments new towns are between them expected to create at least 10,000 new homes in each location. That’s an interesting figure.  According to the 2021 census there were 35,000 unoccupied properties in Cornwall. That’s the equivalent of 3.5 new towns. 

 

 

Context

If we look at the data we find that there a total of 35,000 unused properties in Cornwall. Using three sources - census data, the Council tax base and business rates data, results in the following breakdown of the census total of 35,060.

 

The figures are:

Empty homes = 6,279 [18%] Council Tax Base.

Second homes = 11,455 [33%] Census.

Holiday lets = 9,500 [27%] Business rates.

Other 2nd/hol lets = 2,187 [6%] Difference between CTB and census figure.

Other = 5,639 [16%]. Remainder.

If we assume 2nd /holiday lets include the 2,187, together they total 23,142 or 8% of the total.

What the Other figure consists of is unknown – more holiday lets may be hidden in this total

 

Commentary

 So Cornwall already has the equivalent of over three new towns - the dwellings are already in place but are not occupied!