On 12 April 2023, the Government has launched a consultation on a registration scheme for short-term lets in England. For clarity, the consultation defines short-term lets as follows:
(a) a dwelling, or part of a dwelling, which is provided by a person (“the host”) to another person (“the guest”)
(i) for use by the guest as accommodation other than the guest’s only or principal residence,
(ii) in return for payment (whether or not by the guest), and
(iii) in the course of a trade or business carried on by the host,
(b) any dwelling or premises, or part of a dwelling or premises, not falling within paragraph (a) which is specified for the purposes of this paragraph.
Therefore, many holiday homes (such as Air-BnBs) could be impacted by the prospective changes.
The Secretary of State for Levelling Up Housing and Communities, Michael Gove said that he is "determined that we ensure that more people have access to local homes at affordable prices, and that we prioritise families desperate to rent or buy a home of their own close to where they work."
The prospective impact on the supply of housing is a matter Viable Placemaking have considered in detail, including in our Twin Briefing Notes released in March 2023.
The consultation shall run from 12 April 2023 to 7 June 2023.
A link to the full Government consultation pages are included below:
We would encourage all planning professionals to get involved in Government consultations as they allow us to play a part in shaping the national strategies and policies which shall impact how the planning system will operate.
If you have any questions on the consultation, or would like professional advice on how to respond, please don't hesitate to get in touch.