'Ghost estate' left empty for nearly a decade is put up for sale after building work was abandoned due to soaring costs

A 'ghost estate' left empty for almost a decade has been put up for sale after crippling costs saw building work abandoned.Bridge View Nurseries estate in Calstock, Cornwall promised 33 homes - ten of which were meant to be 'affordable' - but it has stood derelict since 2019.Just ten of the homes on the plot were ever fully or partially built as they have been left boarded up. Work was started on an 11th property but deterioration inside has seen it described as potentially needing 'demolition and re-construction'.But none were ever lived in after costs snowballed out of control and council delays resulted in it accumulating £1.2million in interest payments leaving the developers no longer able to afford to continue the work.Seven years on, the entire estate has now been listed for sale for a price not disclosed but available 'on application'. However the buyer will be expected to make a contribution of almost £100,000 for education and open space provision and roads will have to be built to a certain 'adoptable' standard. Locals have been embroiled in the planning row since the project commenced and blamed it on not making enough of them affordable homes. Bridge View Nurseries estate in Calstock, Cornwall was left empty for almost a decade has been put up for sale after crippling costs saw building work abandoned The 'gohst estate' promised 33 homes, 10 of which were meant to be 'affordable' but it has stood derelict since 2019 Just ten of the homes on the plot were ever fully or partially built as they have been left boarded upOne fumed: 'This development is adjacent to my son's home hence my knowledge. It has been frozen for a few years, absolutely ridiculous.'At the moment the whole debacle is disgusting. Just give it to the local council to allocate to Cornish locals.'Another said: 'In situations like this councils should have the power to set a deadline for completion or the revocation of the planning permission will take place.'From the number of reported instances in just Cornwall it would seem many developers submit plans that far outstrip their ability to deliver and end up being bankrupt.'I dread to think how many unfinished properties there are in the UK that could be used to reduce homelessness, overcrowding and people living in substandard accommodation.'Perhaps the government should buy these properties and arrange for them to be completed. Then hand them over to the relevant council to be used as social rented homes.'Another said: 'They should all be compulsory purchased and rented out or sold at real affordable prices.'One local said: 'South east Cornwall is one of the most deprived areas in the country - perhaps building houses for wealthy people from outside the area isn't the best way forward for the community.'Bridge View Nurseries estate in the Tamar Valley was first approved in 2018 with a second application passed in 2025. Developers had initially promised 15 affordable homes but following a S106 agreement application to Cornwall Council the provision was reduced to ten.The property listing by Stratton Creber Commercial estate agent said the site comprises of 3.85 acres of land, the ten existing houses, some infrastructure in place as well as foundation work for a number of plots. Seven years on, the entire estate has now been listed for sale for a price not disclosed but available 'on application' None were ever lived in after costs snowballed out of control and council delays resulted in it accumulating £1.2 million in interest payments The sale listing comes after Bridge View director Michael Wright accused Cornwall Council of slapping them with additional costs which 'eroded' their budgetThe listing read: 'The property comprises approximately 1.55 hectares (3.85 acres) of land with a southerly aspect upon which planning permission has been granted for residential development.'The development has commenced with 10 houses having been constructed and completed either in whole or partially.'Various works have been undertaken on site including foundations for a number of plots and the construction of part of the retaining wall separating the lower part of the development from the higher part.'The listing added: 'None of the affordable housing has been constructed or commenced.'10 of the 23 proposed open market houses have been constructed (8 to virtual completion) and are vacant although final finishings and snagging including the installation of some white goods, floor finishes and coverings etc. are still required in many instances.'The extent of finishing works required including the extent of fixtures and decorations vary between individual properties, but it is anticipated that these works will be of a relatively minor nature.'The listing also described the area and added: 'Because of its unique natural landscape and rich history with 19th century tin and copper mining, Calstock and the surrounding parish form a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.'The site itself is an elevated position with good views for many of the existing and proposed dwellings over surrounding countryside and of the viaduct.' The sale listing comes after Bridge View director Michael Wright accused Cornwall Council of slapping them with additional costs which 'eroded' their budget.He said officers had added additional requirements to the plans - like a second road and a £750,000 retaining wall. The buyer will be expected to make a contribution of almost £100,000 for education and open space provision and roads will have to be built to a certain 'adoptable' standardMr Wright and Adele Fulner of Construction Partners Ltd, had previously said it intended for nearly half of the properties to be affordable.But Cornwall Council then had a revised planning application which saw the number of affordable homes reduced.It is claimed it took a few years for those plans for 10 affordable units to be green lit - by which time costs had spiralled. The council maintained that reducing the affordable housing provision from 15 to 10 units still met the requirements for the village.Cornwall Council said in a statement: 'The council is committed to working with developers that have been granted planning permission to ensure that a housing development, and the agreed number of affordable housing homes, are delivered in line with the planning permission.'Issues with this development have been ongoing for several years and the council has done all in its power to work with the company however, we must adhere to local and national planning policy, including local neighbourhood plans.'The council remains in active discussions with stakeholders to find a solution to secure the delivery of the development, including the vital affordable housing element.'