Langton Matravers is located on the Isle of Purbeck in Dorset and has been described as one of the worst areas in Britain for affordable housing, with property prices soaring in the past 20 years to an average of £447,000.
This has been blamed on the number of second homeowners buying up property and pushing local families out of the area.
Langton Matravers villagers “furious” after a property developer was granted permission for a new build home to be used as a holiday let. (Image: BNPS)
A 2025 housing survey showed there were 380 households in Langton Matravers with 72 registered as second homes and 18 as holiday homes, a quarter of the housing stock.
As a result, some places have reportedly become ‘ghost villages’ with many properties lying empty and pubs, post offices and village stores closing.
The 19‑home estate, to be built by Old Malthouse Purbeck Ltd, is be subject to a primary residence rule. Under the condition, buyers must live in their property as their main home rather than using it as a second home or holiday let.
Langton Matravers villagers “furious” after a property developer was granted permission for a new build home to be used as a holiday let. (Image: BNPS)
Ken Parke, planning consultant for Old Malthouse Purbeck Ltd, told the planning committee: “The housing market is slow and properties are not selling; this is due to economic issues outside of the applicant’s control.”
Locals fear the application was a test case and the decision will now “open the flood gates” for developers hampered by the primary residence condition on new builds.
Langton Matravers villagers “furious” after a property developer was granted permission for a new build home to be used as a holiday let. (Image: BNPS)
Peter Golob, vice chairman of the parish council, accused Dorset Council of ‘rolling over’ to developers. He said: “There’s no demonstrable need for commercial holiday lets in Langton Matravers – 25 per cent of the residences within the parish are already second homes or holiday lets.
“What Dorset Council have done is open the flood gates.
“There will be a deluge of applications.
“Local people feel we won the argument but Dorset Council didn’t want to defend it, they have decided to roll over.
“Everybody is furious.”
In February, another new estate in the village for 15 homes was granted planning permission, again with the primary residence condition in place.
Ben Wilson, a Dorset councillor for South East Purbeck, said: “Purbeck has a very real housing crisis.
“I’m very uncomfortable with the decision as it was made.”