There has been an increase in the number of second homeowners renting out their properties as holiday lets in popular tourist destinations such as Cornwall and the Lake District. While this may benefit the local economy, it has also resulted in a housing shortage, driving up prices and making it difficult for people to find suitable housing.
The government’s proposal to require planning permission for second homeowners who use their homes as vacation rentals could be viewed as a positive step towards resolving this issue. The government hopes to create more affordable housing for local families by limiting the number of short-term rentals available. A holiday rental registration scheme could also help councils collect data and better understand the impact of short-term housing on their communities.
The proposal, however, has been met with criticism from some quarters. Critics argue that it is anti-business and will discourage tourism investment. They also advocate for the government to focus on building new homes rather than restricting the use of existing ones.
Finally, the success of this proposal will be determined by how it is implemented and whether or not it is effective in meeting its goals. It could be a positive move if it helps to increase the availability of affordable housing for local families while still allowing the tourism industry to thrive. However, if it simply adds more bureaucracy and red tape to the sector or drives investors away, it may not be the best solution.