Fury erupts after pair of squatters descend on Cornish village with ponies and Rottweilers

Alice Tomlinson
Tue, 14 Apr 2026 13:46:01 +0000

Fury has erupted after a pair of squatters have occupied an abandoned housing development alongside their ponies and Rottweilers.

Victoria Morrall, 39, and David Antram, 61, have been residing on the derelict site comprising 10 properties that have stood empty for nearly a decade in the Cornish village of St Erth.

The couple moved from their caravan several months ago into the ground floor of one of the unfinished homes, while converting another property into a makeshift stable for their horses.

Local residents are demanding the pair be evicted, claiming their presence has created an intimidating atmosphere in the otherwise quiet village, the Daily Mail reports.

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The overgrown and neglected estate on Chenhalls Road has been described by locals as a "blot on the village".

Authorities are now collaborating with the landowner to secure the couple's removal from the site.

Ms Morrall maintains that she and Mr Antram exist entirely off-grid, with their dwelling lacking electricity, copper piping, or running water.

She said: "We basically just live in the downstairs. There is a room seven by four metres.

"There is a front room, kitchen and a bedroom area. We cope - as we were living in a caravan for six years - so this is a bit of a step up."

The couple rely on a generator for power and collect rainwater to survive, describing the scene as resembling something from an "apocalypse".

Ms Morrall insists they serve as informal guardians of the property, claiming vandalism has ceased since their arrival seven months ago.

She said: "There have been loads of local teens coming in and vandalising the site."

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The development's troubled history stretches back to 2013, when the original planning application for 10 homes with access roads and parking was submitted.

Cornwall Council initially rejected the proposal, deeming it an isolated countryside development that would harm the rural character of the area.

However, applicant William Trevorrow successfully appealed the decision, with the Planning Inspectorate granting permission in March 2015.

Construction commenced shortly afterwards, yet none of the properties have ever been occupied.

The site changed hands in 2019 when Barton Bridging Ltd acquired it following the previous owner entering receivership.

Ms Morrall claims the couple were initially deceived into believing they were renting the property, only to discover the person they paid did not own the land.

She says they subsequently contacted the actual landowner, who permitted them to remain.

Devon and Cornwall Police confirmed they responded to the site on January 24 following reports of a woman allegedly carrying a firearm.

Officers were told a man had been making threats, prompting the deployment of armed police to the scene.

Two air weapons and a machete were recovered during the incident.

Ms Morrall and Mr Antram were both arrested on suspicion of trespassing on land with a firearm, but were subsequently released without any further action being taken.

The couple say they have endured considerable hostility from some members of the community.

"We have been called travellers, gypsies, druggies - you name it we've been called it", Ms Morrall said.

She added that animal welfare officers had visited twice regarding their horses, but found the complaints to be malicious.

St Erth Parish Council has issued a statement directly contradicting Ms Morrall's account of having permission to stay.

"The couple living on the site originally entered the property late last year without the permission of the landowner," the council said.

The parish council confirmed it is working alongside Cornwall Council and the property owner to address the situation.

"The landowner is actively taking steps to secure their departure," the statement continued.

Once the couple vacate the premises, authorities plan to board up all properties, reinforce the perimeter fencing, install CCTV cameras, and appoint a professional security firm to conduct regular patrols.

Ms Morrall maintains an informal arrangement exists allowing them to stay until alternative accommodation can be found.