Short-term lets rule to protect Cornwall communities - government

The changes are to strike a balance local affordable housing and the visitor economy, officials say

New government measures could regulate holiday properties and restrict the spread of short-term lets in Cornwall.

Councils were to be given greater powers to control short-term lets by making them subject to the planning process, officials said.

It aimed to protect local residents from being pushed out of communities by property prices, they added.

Secretary of State for Levelling Up Michael Gove said the changes would help "cherished communities".

'Flourishing' visitor economy

The proposed planning changes would see a new planning "use class" created for short-term lets not used as a sole or main home.

Existing dedicated short-term lets would automatically be reclassified into the new use class and would not require a planning application, officials said.

Mr Gove said the change would give councils the tools to bring holiday lets "under control so that local people can rent those homes as well".

"These changes strike a balance between giving local people access to more affordable housing, while ensuring the visitor economy continues to flourish" he said.

The proposals were part of a long-term plan to prevent any "hollowing out" of communities, address anti-social behaviour and ensure local people could continue to live in the place they called home, officials said.

Cornwall Council leader Linda Taylor said she welcomed the changes.

"Through our devolution negotiations with government, we've been asking for the powers to help stem the escalating number of short-terms lets in many of Cornwall's beautiful towns and villages," she said.

General Manager for Northern Europe Airbnb Amanda Cupples said it was "good news for everyone".

She said: "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."