The picturesque village of Burnham Market, known for its charming Georgian architecture and stunning coastal views, has long been a hotspot for second home ownership.
Wealthy Londoners seeking an escape from city life have flocked to the area, earning it the nickname “Chelsea-on-Sea.”
But with the influx of affluent buyers, tensions have escalated between locals struggling with skyrocketing house prices and business owners benefiting from the economic boost.
Now, a major turning point has occurred—Dennis Clark, the chairman of the parish council and a vocal critic of second home owners, has resigned after months of controversy.
Controversial Remarks Spark Backlash
Clark, 77, made waves last year when he openly condemned second home owners, stating that their presence had transformed Burnham Market into “something resembling Center Parcs.”
His comments ignited a fierce debate, with some residents applauding his candor while others accused him of fueling unnecessary division.
The backlash was swift—Clark faced calls to step down, and some local businesses even refused him entry.
Despite initially holding his ground and decrying what he called a “witch hunt,” Clark has now stepped away from his role.
Parish council minutes confirm that Keith Morris has taken over as chairman.
When asked about his decision, Clark offered little explanation, simply stating, “I felt I’d come to the end of my term.”
The Affordable Housing Struggle
The core of the issue lies in Burnham Market’s soaring property prices.
With the average home now costing around £1 million, many locals have been priced out, unable to buy or even rent in their own village.
The problem has only worsened as more homes are converted into holiday lets, leaving key workers to commute from surrounding areas.
In an attempt to combat the crisis, residents took action in 2023.
More than 80% voted in favor of restrictions on second homes, including preventing existing properties from becoming holiday retreats and ensuring that all new developments are designated as “principal residences” for full-time locals.
Divided Opinions in the Community
The debate has split the community. Some residents strongly support the crackdown on second homes, believing it’s the only way to preserve Burnham Market’s identity.
Stephanie Worsley, 76, is one of them. “My children had to move away because they simply couldn’t afford to stay here,” she said. “We needed to do something before it was too late.”
Others, like Nina Plumbe, 73, highlight the struggles of local families.
“My daughter and her four kids are squeezed into a three-bedroom rented cottage,” she explained.
“Buying a home here is out of the question. The prices have just soared.”
On the other side of the argument, business owners and some locals argue that second home owners are the backbone of the local economy.
“Without them, many of our shops and restaurants wouldn’t survive,” one anonymous shopkeeper stated.
“The trade they bring in, especially during the summer, is vital.”
Tim Roberts, owner of NoTwenty9 restaurant and several local businesses, was among those who called for Clark to resign.
He described the former chairman’s remarks as “incendiary and uncalled for,” emphasizing that tourism and outside investment keep the village thriving.
What Comes Next for Burnham Market?
With Clark’s resignation, Burnham Market enters a new chapter in its ongoing struggle to balance local interests with economic sustainability.
Some fear that new regulations won’t be enough to curb the second home boom, as buyers could find legal loopholes to bypass restrictions.
Harvey Butler, a 70-year-old builder, argues that without second homes, Burnham Market itself would struggle to function.
“If they disappeared, we’d have no shops, no restaurants, and no petrol station.
The jobs that used to exist in farming and fishing just aren’t there anymore.”
Meanwhile, David Howell, a shop assistant and lifelong resident, believes the problem runs deeper than just second home ownership.
“They sold off all the council houses, leaving younger people with nowhere affordable to live.
The issue isn’t just outsiders buying homes—it’s the lack of housing options overall.”
As the new parish council leadership steps in, the village faces a crucial challenge: finding a way to protect its local community while continuing to benefit from tourism and investment.
Whether the recent housing restrictions will make a lasting difference or simply lead to workarounds remains to be seen.
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