People on the Rame Peninsula voted in favour of new curbs on second homes.

The proposal to introduce planning restrictions on the building of new properties for use as second homes was a key part of the Rame Neighbourhood Plan.

The five villages covered by the document - Antony, Maker-with-Rame, Millbrook, Sheviock and St John - now become the second area in Cornwal, after St Ives, to adopt the second homes measure.

The plan was approved by a landslide, 1,834 votes to 241.

And the 55% turnout in last Thursday’s referendum was much higher than the near-40% turnout in the Cornwall Council and local elections taking place on the same day.

The Rame Neighbourhood Plan provides a set of strict guidelines on new development, written by local representatives from the parish councils and discussed at community consultation events over the last three years. 

The plan’s coordinator, George Trubody, re-elected as a Cornwall councillor in the local elections, said: ‘Our area has one of the highest proportions of second homes in all of Cornwall, creating difficulties for keeping our living communities going. 

‘We think it’s vital to include this policy, which will help us retain the strength and vibrancy of our area. Existing second homes and holiday lets aren’t affected at all, it’s purely about stopping any more non-residence houses being built.’

The plan’s organising group are hoping to hold a celebration soon.