Do you have an investment property ran as a short-let? Then listen up to the new rules coming…
New rules to give communities greater control over short-term lets in tourist hot spots, while also strengthening the tourism sector, were unveiled by the Government earlier this month.
A consultation published by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities will propose introducing planning permission for an existing home to start to be used as a short term let – helping support local people in areas where high numbers of holiday lets are preventing them from finding affordable housing.
It will also consider whether to give owners flexibility to let out their home for up to a specified number of nights in a calendar year without the need for planning permission.
Short-term lets are now a significant part of the UK’s visitor economy.
They provide increased choice and flexibility for tourists and business travellers, and also those attending major sporting and cultural events.
The Government wants to ensure the country reaps the benefits of diverse and sustainable accommodation and support the visitor economy, while also protecting local communities and ensuring the availability of affordable housing to rent or buy.
Secretary of State for Levelling Up Housing and Communities, Michael Gove said:
“Tourism brings many benefits to our economy but in too many communities we have seen local people pushed out of cherished towns, cities and villages by huge numbers of short-term lets.”
“I’m determined that we ensure that more people have access to local homes at affordable prices, and that we prioritise families desperate to rent or buy a home of their own close to where they work.”
The proposed planning changes would see a planning use class created for short term lets not used as a sole or main home, alongside new permitted development rights, which will mean planning permission is not needed in areas where local authorities choose not to use these planning controls.
Subject to the outcome of the consultation, the planning changes would be introduced through secondary legislation later in the year and would apply in England only.
Full article can be found on the government website : New holiday let rules to protect local people and support tourism – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
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