Residents in a Cornish seaside community developed by King Charles are planning to defy strict rules banning CCTV cameras following a spate of break-ins.
Homeowners in Nansledan, near Newquay, say they will install security cameras despite the development’s binding covenant forbidding external modifications to properties.
The rebellion comes after a beauty salon was targeted by thieves and a resident disturbed an intruder in her home last week.
Police have advised business owners to install CCTV regardless of the rules set by the Duchy of Cornwall, according to claims in the Mail.
Locals to rebel against King Charles after Duchy bans CCTV cameras
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Residents wanting to live in Nansledan must first agree to a 38-page covenant containing 85 strict rules governing property modifications.
The regulations, designed to protect the development’s character, prohibit attaching anything to building exteriors, from washing lines to satellite dishes and security cameras.
Only doorbell cameras are permitted under the current rules, which are “enforceable by the Duchy of Cornwall.”
The neo-traditional properties, which cost up to £500,000, are built from local slate to echo 1930s architecture.
The covenant also bans visible washing lines, satellite dishes, ball games and even noisy arguments.
The development was personally overseen by Charles while he was Prince of Wales
PA
Kelly Moss, owner of KM Aesthetics, reported thieves damaged her salon door during an attempted break-in last weekend.
“Police suggested I should as other businesses should install CCTV regardless of the Duchy rules and will be suggesting the same to the Duchy,” Moss wrote on Facebook.
In a separate incident on Wednesday, a resident encountered an intruder while showering.
“I had someone in our house while I was in the shower,” she said.
“I must have scared them off and when I went to the window I saw someone walking out of our back garden.”
King Charles oversaw the Duchy of Cornwall for 70 years
PA
The nearby Ladyvale Bakery was also targeted, with owners reporting damage to an internal door and lockbox.
Residents have expressed their determination to ignore the rules and prioritise security.
“Quite frankly, I can’t see how the Duchy can put in a rule that doesn’t allow us to improve our security or mitigate security, safety and welfare concerns,” said local resident Paula Abbott.
“Sod the rules. Protect yourself and your home,” declared Katie Gough.
Devon and Cornwall Police have increased patrols in the area and are reportedly planning to contact the Duchy about relaxing CCTV restrictions.
Prince William is building a housing project to help address homelessness in Nansledan
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However, residents say they won’t wait for permission before installing cameras.
Work on Nansledan, described as a sequel to Charles’s Poundbury development in Dorset, began in 2014 and is expected to continue until 2045.
The development was personally overseen by Charles while he was Prince of Wales, though responsibility has since passed to Prince William.
Sources confirmed the controversial rules were established by the Duchy of Cornwall rather than by King Charles himself.
Last year, Prince William announced plans to spend £3million building social housing in Nansledan, with 24 homes planned to tackle homelessness in the area.
