Residents have voiced concerns about the sale of a beautiful Cornish beach that is on the market for £3 million.
Loe Beach, near Feock, has been described as a "much-loved" stretch of coastline used by locals and visitors for generations. But villagers in the affluent area, nicknamed 'millionaire's row', fear it could be bought by a celebrity who might join the growing list of A-listers living nearby.
The local council said the level of alarm about the future is so significant that it has arranged a public meeting.
The sale includes more than six acres of land and 78 metres of foreshore, including a private beach, car park, boat storage, café, water sports facilities and grazing land.
Feock Parish Council said it will discuss the sale at a meeting later this month after being contacted by worried residents. It said: "Loe Beach is a much-loved and valuable community facility and we understand the strength of feeling about its future. Members of the public are welcome to attend and speak during the public participation session at the start of the next council meeting on Monday, September 21, at 6pm at the Old Market Hall, Market Street, Devoran."
Locals say they fear it being bought by a rich developer. One said: "I wander how many people in Cornwall can afford that? I see an invasion coming on like a few places in Devon." Another said: "They do call it millionaires row. I just hope it’s not bought by a developer."
Others hoped the strength of feeling among locals to maintain access would ensure it stays accessible. One said: "There’s enough rich folk there who want access to ensure it doesn’t get made totally private." Another added: "No part off our coastline should ever be private with the exception of mod requirements. It is outrageous how they can sell off the shore line in Cornwall."
The site is on the western shore of the Fal Estuary and is known for its tranquil setting. The current owners receive income from the car park and rents paid by commercial operators based there.
Property consultants Vickery Holman are handling the sale and called the beach stretch a "special piece of real estate". The company said there has already been strong interest from prospective buyers. It said any purchasers could either retain existing arrangements or consider sensitive improvements to the facilities, subject to necessary consents. A spokesperson said: "A heaven for water sports with immediate access to the Fal river this is a truly special location to include the beach to low mean water, a rare and commercially positive situation."
Cornish Beach on Sale for £3m Sparks Local Anger