Planning Changes
Holiday lets rules are set to change according to new government consultation. The new rules are aimed at giving communities greater control over short-term lets in tourist hotspots whilst also strengthening the tourism sector.
The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities will propose to introduce planning permission for existing homes being used as short term let in a bid to help support local people in areas where high numbers of holiday lets are preventing them from finding affordable housing.
It will also consider allowing owners the flexibility to let out their home for up to a specified number of nights in a calendar year without the need for planning permission.
It is a fine balance between maintaining the UK’s visitor economy and ensuring the country reaps the benefits of diverse and sustainable accommodation whilst also protecting local communities and ensuring the availability of affordable housing to rent or buy.
The proposed planning changes would see a planning use class created for short term lets not used as a sole or main home so these new rules will not affect hotels or B&Bs.
The register of short term lets is being introduced through the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill which is currently going through Parliament, the changes would be introduced through secondary legislation later this year and would apply in England only.
