tempus fugit

By ceridwen

Meanwhile in St Dogmael's...

Bats are being enlisted to help local people in this north Pembrokeshire village fight a scheme to build 16 houses, none 'affordable', along a historic stretch of the river Teifi. 
"Residents will benefit from quaint riverside life thanks to the ideal location in the village..." goes the promotional  guff.

Villagers fear that the houses will be bought as second homes, to be occupied by people with no connections or interest in the area. The scheme would also impact upon this historic path and the immediate environment with its wildlife and tangled vegetation.
The village works towards maintaining its traditions and preserving the Welsh language. It's a magnet for young families as it has a primary school,  a weekly market, allotments,  shops, a community-owned pub and a flour mill among  other assets. Second-home owners (who more often than not also rent out their properties through AirBnB) make little  investment in community life and culture, and price local people out of the housing market. This situation is rife in Wales. and elsewhere.

https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2022/mar/12/abersoch-second-homes-holiday-wales

It's not that all incomers are bad news. Most have ideas, energy and experience to offer the communities they join. They often take the lead in setting up new enterprises and supporting existing institutions. But second homes owners have now got a very bad name for themselves. The Welsh government has doubled the council tax they are required to pay. Whether that makes a difference remains to be seen but the signs are not encouraging.

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