The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities has announced a consultation which proposes the introduction of a use class for short-term lets and permitted development rights in tourist hot spots across England.
An increase in the number of short-term lets in certain areas such as national parks, coastal towns and cities can have an impact on the availability and affordability of homes for local people to buy or rent and more broadly, the sustainability of communities. Although short-term lets can indeed support tourism and the local economy, the government recognises that this should be balanced with meeting the needs of the local community.
Therefore, the government states the aim of the consultation is to help give local areas greater control over any future increase in the number of short-term lets in their area and support the retention of existing property to buy or rent. The consultation version of the proposed changes will provide clarity to existing owners of short-term lets.
What are the key changes being proposed?
- The introduction of a new use class for short-term lets
- The potential introduction of a new permitted development right for the change of use from a dwellinghouse to a short-term let
- The potential introduction of a new permitted development right for the change of use from a short-term let to a dwellinghouse
- How flexibility for homeowners to let out their home for a number of nights in a calendar year could be provided through either changes to the dwellinghouse use class or additional permitted development right
- The introduction of a planning application fee for the development of new build short term lets
When will the consultation close?
Feedback should be submitted before the consultation closes at 11.45 pm on Wednesday 7th June 2023.
Jayne Norris, Director at Edgars commented, “The consultation provides an important opportunity to make your views known on the future control of short-term lets, whether it is in favour or against, or if you’d like to make comments for changes to the proposals. In uncertain times, making representations on a key planning regulatory change which impacts your business and sector can help provide more certainty for the industry as a whole.”
For more information on the consultation, see the consultation page.
If you have any queries about how any of these proposed changes might impact your property portfolio, get in contact with our team on 01865 731700 or email us via enquiries@edgarslimited.co.uk.