A council in Wales is likely to become the first one to use an Article 4 Direction to clamp down on the use of houses as holiday lets.
Gwynedd councillors approved the historic move after becoming frustrated with the increase in holiday homes across the county, and the effect this has on communities.
The area has about 8,000 holiday lets and holiday homes, while 3,600 people are on waiting lists for social housing and 150 residents present as homeless every month.
Priced out
Councillor Dafydd Meurig (pictured), cabinet member for environment, says that on average, 65% of Gwynedd’s population is being priced out of the housing market, with the percentage increasing significantly in areas where there are higher numbers of holiday homes.
“The Article 4 Direction would make it necessary to submit an application for planning permission to change from one use to another and help the council in protecting our housing stock and supporting Gwynedd’s residents to have access to houses that are within their reach in our communities,” he adds.
Justifying
The council’s cabinet formally approved a report justifying the introduction of the Article 4 Direction, which will be followed by a public consultation, and a final decision made next year.
The move comes just months after the council voted to increase taxes for second homeowners who now pay a 250% council tax rate.
Read more: Complete guide to short let insurance.
The Welsh government has committed to providing financial support so the authority can appoint more planning officers to deal with the extra workload. Last year, the government announced a series of measures to address the impact of second homes and short-term holiday accommodation on communities.
Read more about Gwynedd.
