Concerns raised over planning permission proposals for holiday lets

Mark Challis Partner

The government recently opened a consultation proposing plans to require homeowners in England to seek planning permission before transforming homes in popular tourist areas into short-term vacation rentals.

Though providing many economic benefits, increasing tourism in English honeypot towns and villages has led to many residents being pushed out by skyrocketing house prices. The aim of the proposal is to make it easier for residents to remain in popular tourist destinations, such as Cornwall, the Lake District, and Norfolk.

However, the plans have garnered concerns from property specialists, who highlight that the new measures may lead to an increase in the number of homes left vacant.

In an article for Property Week, partner in our planning team, Mark Challis, voiced his concerns over the new consultation.

‘The proposal is not surprising. In recent years, the government has made second home ownership, which often involves short-term letting, less financially rewarding in terms of stamp duty and business rates, for example.

‘In London, the use of residential property for short-term letting (called ‘temporary sleeping accommodation’ in the legislation) has required planning permission since the 1970s, although the law was relaxed in 2015 to allow for short-term letting for up to 90 nights in any calendar year. Enforcement can be difficult, though, particularly if there is a limit on the number of nights. Who is going to keep count?’

Subscribers are able to read the article in full by visiting the Property Week website.

If you have any queries or would like legal support with any issues linked to this new consultation, please visit our homepage or reach out to a member of our planning, infrastructure and public law team.