To address concerns in certain areas about the increase in the number of short term lets and the impact this can have on the sustainability of communities and the availability and affordability of homes for local people, this consultation seeks views on proposals in respect of use classes and permitted development rights for short term lets.
We are consulting on the introduction of a short term let use class. The consultation also seeks views on the introduction of new permitted development rights to provide flexibility where short term lets are not a local issue, and which allows for this flexibility to be removed where there is local concern. We are additionally seeking views on how homeowners might be provided with flexibility to let out their sole or main home for a number of nights in a calendar year. Finally, we are seeking views on the planning application fee required where permission is required for the development of a new build short term let.
Subject to the outcome of the consultation and any necessary clearances, any changes would be brought forward as amendments to the Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) Order 1987, as amended, and the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015, as amended (secondary legislation). The planning application fee would be brought forward as an amendment to the Town and Country Planning (Fees for Applications, Deemed Applications, Requests and Site Visits) (England) Regulations 2012, as amended, at the earliest opportunity.
Geographical scope:
These proposals relate to England only.
Impact assessment and Public Sector Equality Duty:
The consultation seeks views on any potential impacts on businesses, local planning authorities and communities from the proposed measures. The Government is mindful of its responsibility to have regard to the potential impact of any proposals on the Public Sector Equality Duty, and therefore views are additionally sought on whether there are any impacts arising from these measures on those with a protected characteristic.