November 2021

The Welsh Government has launched a consultation which proposes changes to the planning system that could mean that planning permission is required for a change of use from primary to a secondary home or holiday let.

New and amended use classes would be introduced to the Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) Order 1987 (as amended) under the proposals.

As part of a three-pronged approach set out by Julie James MS, Minister for Climate Change, to address the impact of second homes and holiday lets on housing affordability, sustainability of local communities, and the Welsh language.

The proposed changes would enable local planning authorities to issue an Article 4 Direction to remove permitted development rights at their discretion, meaning planning permission would be needed to use a primary dwelling as a second home or holiday let.

Alongside these changes, the approach focuses on the provision of support to address affordability issues, the availability of housing, and a review of local taxes to ensure that community services can be sustained, and empty homes brought back into use.

The question on many holiday let owner's minds is will England follow suit? With the many regulations a holiday let owner needs to comply with together with potential changes to planning regulations in the future it is advisable to register your holiday property with an holiday letting agency. An established holiday letting agency should be able to guide you and assist you with regulations and keep you up-to-date with changes.

If you are interested in holiday letting your property, or for further information, please call one of the Bournecoast team on 01202 437888, email them at propertyowners@bournecoast.co.uk or visit their website www.bournecoast.co.uk. 

Source: propertymark