Councilor resigns after controversial remarks about second home owners in “Chelsea on Sea” village.
People asked Clark to quit last year, and some local businesses barred him after his newspaper comments. Clark was chairman of the town’s parish council and is a retired oil worker.
The town is Burnham Market, Norfolk, where many Londoners own homes, leading to it being nicknamed ‘Chelsea-on-Sea’. Clark initially defended his comments, stating he refused to be bullied.
Council minutes show Clark’s resignation, and Keith Morris is the new chairman. People contacted Clark, and he confirmed his resignation from the position, stating he was “at the end of his term.”
Clark shared his views with a paper, speaking about the impact of second homes, prevalent in the area. He said the village now seemed like Center Parcs. Locals working there cannot afford housing, and they do not have village sports teams anymore.
Businesses and agents profit a lot, but Clark explained that much anger exists. He called for the resignation of a “witch hunt,” claiming he had done nothing wrong. Second homes cause tension in the Burnhams and also impact the Norfolk coast.
About half the properties are now empty holiday rentals. Locals worry prices have increased, and they also think rental properties are scarce. Communities feel “hollowed-out” now.
Burnham Market wants new home rules requiring people to live full-time in the properties. Some local business owners commented last year, thinking Clark made “a fuss out of nothing.”
One owner stayed anonymous, mentioning they depend on second home owners because holiday lets bring much trade in summer. Without them, their business would struggle. The owner never had a problem with them, stating that many people are happy to help them.
Tim Roberts, who owns a restaurant and shops, wanted Clark to resign before. He called Clark’s remarks “incendiary.”