12th April saw the government launch a consultation on the introduction of rules, to govern short term lets and permitted development rights in certain areas of the country. Within this document is an option that would allow home owners to let their home (or rooms within it) for a specified number of nights within a year, before needing planning permission. 30 days is shown as an example for this.

In this document, the government state that they are trying to address the increase of short term lets in certain areas, which adversely impact local communities. The high demand for visitor accommodation, has meant that some coastal towns and national parks are unable to attract workers, since the availability and affordability of accommodation is almost non-existent. This also means that areas with such high concentration of property lettings, become ghost towns out of season, causing a negative impact on local shops and communities.

Airbnb have responded, that for the past few years, they have been calling for a national register of short term lets; something the government have ignored up until now. They also state that “The vast majority of UK Hosts share one home, and almost four in 10 say the earnings help them afford the rising cost of living. “
“We want to work with the government, to ensure that any planning interventions are carefully considered, evidence-based, and strike a balance between protecting housing, and supporting everyday families, who let their space to help afford their home and keep pace with rising living costs.”

The Short-Term Accommodation Association, is against the plan, should it go nationwide, as they say “Introducing a planning permission requirement, completely ignores the contribution short-term rentals make to the economy.” “Many thousands of small businesses will be affected by these changes, if the government sees them through.” They are pointing out that this will directly affect workers who move around the country for short term projects, and need accommodation other than B&B’s or Hotels.

Links to the consultation on change of use classes is available here:
The link to the consultation on a new holiday let registration scheme is available here: