Short-term lets rules to be strengthened in planning reforms

Property owners will be required to seek planning permission for future short-term lets under new changes to planning rules proposed by government.

The reforms will give local authorities greater powers to limit the proliferation of new short-term lets, such as Airbnb apartments or holiday cottages, in a bid to address where the growth in such properties is making housing unaffordable for local residents and driving down housing availability. A mandatory national register will also be set up for owners of short-term lets to give local authorities a clearer picture of the extent of short-term lets in their communities.

Homeowners will still be able to let out their own main or sole home for up to 90 nights throughout a year without planning permission, and the government is exploring how to ensure they do not face disproportionate regulation. Changes will not affect hotels, hostels or B&Bs.

Under the plans, a new planning use class will be created for short-term lets not used as a sole or main home, with existing properties automatically reclassified without the need for a planning application.

The government also intends to introduce associated permitted development rights – one allowing for a property to be changed from a short-term let to a standard residential dwelling, and a second that would allow a property to be changed to a short-term let. Local authorities would be able to remove these permissions and require full planning permission if they deem it necessary.

Secretary of State for Levelling Up Housing and Communities, Michael Gove said:

“Short-term lets can play an important role in the UK’s flourishing tourism economy, providing great, easily-accessible accommodation in some of the most beautiful parts of our country.

“But in some areas, too many local families and young people feel they are being shut out of the housing market and denied the opportunity to rent or buy in their own community.

“So the government is taking action as part of its long-term plan for housing. That means delivering more of the right homes in the right places, and giving communities the power to decide.

“This will allow local communities to take back control and strike the right balance between protecting the visitor economy and ensuring local people get the homes they need.“

Tourism Minister Julia Lopez said:

“Short-term lets provide flexibility for homeowners and give tourists more accommodation options than ever before, but this should not prevent local people from being able to buy or rent homes in their area.

“The government is committed to getting the balance right to ensure both local people and our visitor economy can thrive.”

Amanda Cupples, General Manager for Northern Europe, Airbnb said:

“The introduction of a short-term lets register is good news for everyone. Families who Host on Airbnb will benefit from clear rules that support their activity, and local authorities will get access to the information they need to assess and manage housing impacts and keep communities healthy, where necessary.

“We have long led calls for the introduction of a Host register and we look forward to working together to make it a success.”