Holiday Lets required to seek planning permission

According to a recent announcement by Housing Secretary Michael Gove, UK homeowners who wish to rent their properties as holiday lets will soon need to seek planning permission.

This move aims to alleviate housing pressure in popular tourist areas by allowing councils to prohibit future holiday lets if there’s insufficient affordable housing available.

The government also plans to launch a consultation on establishing a compulsory registration scheme for holiday lets. Such a scheme would grant local councils visibility on the proportion of local housing stock occupied by temporary lets.

AFFORDABLE LOCAL HOMES

This measure is intended to address concerns in locations like Cornwall, the Lake District, Norfolk and parts of London where new properties are being acquired for profit through private rentals on platforms like Airbnb.

Mr Gove expressed concern over locals being displaced from their communities due to the profitability of short-term lets for landlords. He emphasised the importance of ensuring residents access affordable local homes and prioritised families eager to rent or purchase their home near their workplace.

SIX-FOLD INCREASE

This initiative follows a campaign by Tory MPs demanding changes to planning concessions in the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill. The government expects to show figures indicating a six-fold increase in short-term listings in places like Cornwall over the past five years.

Research from the government suggests that since 2014, entire home listings in London have surged by 571%, with nearly 45,000 whole properties available for rent. Approximately one in ten hosts rent more than one property.

PLANNING PERMISSION

However, the government does not aim to prevent homeowners from renting out individual rooms or their entire property for short-term lets, provided it’s for a limited period.

A rental duration of 30 and 90 days is expected before homeowners apply for planning permission for a use change. The proposed amendments will create a planning-use class for short-term lets not used as primary residences.

New permitted development rights will also be introduced, meaning planning permission won’t be needed in areas where local authorities choose to refrain from enforcing these planning controls. These changes will not affect hotels, hostels or B&Bs.

Don’t forget, our professional friendly advisors are on hand to support you and can help you explore all of your options.