Lifton, Devon

A concerning situation has emerged in the tourism sector of the South West of England, with local businesses grappling with a sharp decline in demand. A property owner in the picturesque village of Lifton, Devon, has voiced deep concerns about the future of his holiday rental. As 2024 unfolds, the owner predicts it will be one of the most challenging years in recent memory for the region’s tourism industry. The owner expressed significant anxiety over the sustainability of his business, forecasting a particularly “abysmal” season ahead. His comments came amid the recent rejection of his proposal to convert a holiday let into a permanent residence—a decision that could have lasting repercussions for his property’s future as a rental.

Tourism’s Struggles in the Region

The property owner, who runs a holiday let in Lifton, explained that 2023 was the worst year for tourism in the region in at least ten years. According to Peter Sainsbury, the owner, the primary reason behind this downturn was the decline in demand for holiday lettings. Unfortunately, 2024 isn’t expected to fare any better, with early indications suggesting an even more pronounced dip. This bleak forecast was confirmed by the South West Cornwall Tourism Association, which reported that early 2025 bookings were already showing “abysmal” trends.

The South West of England, once a thriving hub for tourists, has witnessed a significant drop in interest, raising alarms for businesses reliant on the influx of travelers. For areas like Lifton, this is especially troubling, as tourism has traditionally been a crucial economic driver. If the current trend continues, it could spell disaster for other small towns and villages across the South West, where properties like Sainsbury’s are struggling to attract visitors. Factors like remote locations and the increasing costs of staying in the area are just a few of the hurdles local businesses are facing.

The Orchard Barn Dilemma

Things took a legal turn when Peter Sainsbury applied for permission to convert Orchard Barn, a former holiday let, into a permanent residence. Despite being approved for holiday rentals back in 1989, West Devon Council rejected the application. The council’s development management and licensing committee concluded that the property was not viable for continued use as a holiday let, citing insufficient evidence of demand. This decision also tied into the broader issue of location and local policies regarding the use of rural properties.

The Location Debate

One of the key factors in the council’s rejection was the location of Higher Carley Barns, where Orchard Barn is situated. The barn, despite being part of a cluster of similar properties, was considered too isolated to be viable as a permanent home. While it is just a mile from Liftondown, and accessible via a private driveway and a footpath leading to Lifton, the committee felt that its distance from Lifton made it unsuitable for residential use. The location, though relatively close to other buildings, was deemed “remote,” making it less ideal for someone looking to live there permanently.

Despite these concerns, some argued that Higher Carley Barns could serve as an ideal location for a holiday let, with its proximity to Lifton and other services. However, the committee found the area to be more appropriate for tourism accommodation due to its relative seclusion.

Responses from Local Politicians and the Community

The proposed conversion of Orchard Barn into a permanent residence sparked a variety of reactions from local government officials. Councillor Chris Edmunds expressed support for the barn being used as housing, pointing out that it would contribute to the local housing stock, which is severely lacking in the area. He argued that converting the barn into a residence would likely create fewer traffic issues than keeping it as a holiday let, which is often only occupied seasonally. Edmunds also referenced existing policies that encourage the reuse of traditional buildings without requiring significant alterations, thus helping to address the housing crisis facing local communities.

However, not all officials agreed with this view. Ric Cheadle, the chairman of the committee, countered that the barn’s location was more suited for holiday accommodation rather than long-term housing. He highlighted the importance of careful urban planning and the need to ensure that new residential properties are built in locations that can sustain long-term residents. Cheadle argued that while the housing shortage in West Devon was undeniable, building houses in the wrong areas could exacerbate the issue rather than solve it.

Balancing Tourism and Housing Needs

The debate over the future of Orchard Barn sheds light on the broader challenges faced by rural areas like West Devon, where there is a constant tug-of-war between meeting the needs of the local housing market and sustaining the tourism industry. The local economy in areas like Lifton heavily depends on tourism, but at the same time, residents are feeling the pinch of a growing housing shortage.

The struggles of businesses like Peter Sainsbury’s holiday let reflect a worrying trend across the region, where properties that might have once thrived as tourist accommodations are now considered too isolated or unviable for year-round rentals. This conflict raises larger questions about how to revitalize the tourism sector while also addressing the immediate need for housing in the region.

For the South West, the issue isn’t just about one barn or one property—it’s about finding a solution to an ongoing dilemma that affects local residents, tourism businesses, and the economy at large. As the region struggles to cope with both a declining tourist influx and a growing demand for housing, finding a middle ground will be crucial for its long-term sustainability.

Looking Forward

Ultimately, the outcome of this situation in Lifton serves as a snapshot of a much larger issue that will likely play out across the entire South West in the coming years. The decline in tourism, coupled with an urgent need for more affordable housing, is forcing policymakers to find innovative ways to balance these competing needs. With 2024 already shaping up to be another tough year for tourism, the region will need to adapt quickly to ensure it can sustain both its tourism and housing markets in the face of these pressures.

While the rejection of Orchard Barn’s conversion has been a setback for some, it also highlights the difficult choices that must be made to preserve both the charm of the South West and the livelihoods of those who depend on it. Whether through careful urban planning, sustainable tourism policies, or more creative housing solutions, the future of Lifton and the surrounding areas depends on finding the right balance—one that supports both local residents and the region’s visitors.

The post Lifton Grapples with Declining Demand for Local Holiday Let as Tourism Struggles Deepen Across South West England Here’s All You Need to Know About the Challenges Facing the Region’s Economy appeared first on Travel And Tour World.