Grassington residents are taking action against the influx of Airbnb tourists, pushing for new housing policies to protect their community.
Grassington: Residents in this charming village are feeling overwhelmed by the flood of Airbnb tourists. They’re fed up and ready to fight back.
Locals are excited about plans to stop second home buyers from snapping up new properties. It’s a big deal for them, as they want to keep their community intact.
Since the village became famous from the show “All Creatures Great and Small,” the number of visitors has skyrocketed. But with one in five homes not being lived in full-time, it’s tough for locals to find a place to call home.
The Yorkshire Dales National Park is stepping in, hoping to build 50 new homes each year until 2040. They want to make sure these homes go to locals, not outside investors.
Mark, a long-time resident, has seen the changes firsthand. He’s worried about the number of tourists and believes there are already too many houses. He thinks the council should make it harder for second home owners to buy new properties.
Stanley, a builder visiting from Lincolnshire, agrees. He wants new homes to be for locals, not for people who just want a vacation spot. He’s seen young people in his own village struggle to find affordable housing, and he doesn’t want that to happen in Grassington.
Chris, a visitor from Leeds, thinks banning second home owners is a smart move. She’s noticed how many locals can’t afford to buy homes, and it just doesn’t seem fair.
Lisa, who moved to Grassington six years ago, loves the area but admits it can get crowded. She understands why people want to visit, but sometimes it feels like too many folks are around.
Sophie, whose parents own a holiday home in the village, recognizes the problem. She believes more homes need to be built for locals to keep the community thriving.
David, who runs a B&B, thinks a ban on second homes could actually help his business. He believes that if tourists can’t find second homes, they’ll look for places like his to stay.
Overall, the residents of Grassington are banding together to protect their village. They want to ensure that it remains a place where locals can live and thrive, despite the challenges posed by tourism.