Landlords must soon seek planning permission for new Airbnbs

Holiday lets advertised through platforms such as Airbnb will soon need planning approval in areas where councils decide local people are unable to afford housing.

The Government has unveiled  plans for short term lets to require planning permission if local authorities decide it is necessary.

Mandatory register

The move follows a consultation lasting nearly a year, and includes a new mandatory register of holiday lets.

Homeowners will still be able to let out their property for up to 90 nights throughout a year without planning consent.

This will allow local communities to take back control.”

Housing Secretary Michael Gove says: “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,” he says.

“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.”

Families who host on Airbnb will benefit from clear rules.”

Amanda Cupples, General Manager for Northern Europe at Airbnb, says a register is welcome: “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.”

The Government also intends to introduce new permitted development rights, allowing for a property to be changed from a short-term let to a standard residential dwelling, and a second that would allow a home to be changed to a holiday let.

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