Fears National Trust village being 'killed' by lets and derelict homes

The picturesque village of Lacock, near Chippenham, is one of Wiltshire’s tourist hotspots known by many as a filming location for Harry Potter and Downton Abbey.

Most properties in the village have been managed by the National Trust since they were handed to them by the Talbot family in 1958.

But one villager, who wishes to remain anonymous, says many are increasingly concerned about the management of the area.

At the time of writing, nine properties in Lacock are empty, with many needing refurbishment, while one is set to become a holiday let.

Among the empty buildings is Cantax House, featured in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, which residents have previously claimed is “falling into disrepair.”

Cantax House in Lacock (Image: Trevor Porter)

One local said: “Residents have had enough of the empty houses, it’s falling apart now because you’ve got nearly 10 empty properties, some long-term.

“We’re on the tourist map but quite honestly I’m ashamed, a lot of the big houses are becoming derelict.

“A lot of people are very upset.”

The creation of a new holiday cottage sparked fears the community’s soul could be lost.

The resident added: “Locals don’t want more holiday lets because it will kill the village.

“People won’t stay here, there’s still a heart in Lacock but I’m worried it will just get turned into holiday lets.”

Some residents worry the charity’s limited budget is impacting its ability to maintain their homes.

Lacock High Street (Image: Trevor Porter)

The trust says it is prioritising repairs to occupied homes and has a plan in place for all empty properties in the village.

A spokesperson said: “The team prioritise compliance and repairs to lived-in properties and work hard to ensure the comfort of tenants.

“There is a 24/7 tenant repair line to make it as easy as possible for tenants to contact the trust regarding repairs, and the Lacock team work closely with the Parish Council and Tenants Association of the National Trust to resolve any issues.

“The charity currently has nine vacant properties in Lacock which are either in the process of being let or need refurbishment.

“The majority of the properties in need of refurbishment have work underway and there are plans in place for them all. 

“One of these nine properties will become holiday accommodation and the remainder will be let as residential tenancies.

“This will bring the total number of National Trust holiday cottages in Lacock to two, with no current plans to increase this further.”