● Rule changes to curb ‘ruinous’ holiday lets backed...

● New hike in second homes tax splits opinion

NEW planning guidelines could make it more difficult to build holiday lets in areas deemed to have too many second homes.

A meeting of Anglesey Council’s Partnership and Regeneration Scrutiny Committee saw members back changes to the current guidance within the Joint Local Development Plan.

If approved by both counties – with Gwynedd set to discuss the proposed change later this month – it would make it easier to refuse planning permission for selfcatering holiday lets where over 15% of the local housing stock is already designated as second homes or holiday accommodation.

The move would only apply where planning permission is already required to either build or convert an existing property to a holiday let. Backed by Anglesey committee members last week, it was argued that setting a specific 15% figure would make it easier for officers and councillors when determining what constitutes “over-provision.”

The leader of Anglesey Council, Llinos Medi, said the aim was to recognise the “vital role of tourism” but in an “empathetic way” with existing communities in mind.

Cllr Margaret Murley Roberts added: “The over-provision of holiday accommodation is ruinous for some of our coastal communities, my only question is if what’s being proposed is enough.”

Cllr Trefor Lloyd Hughes also said more stringent controls are required on AirBnB’s, which he described as “sprouting like mushrooms” and the need to achieve a “fair balance”.

Meanwhile, Cllr Dafydd Roberts concluded: “There are some people who couldn’t care less about the impact they’re having on the local community, really we need a more holistic look at tourism by the time of the next development plan review. We have to ensure that the natural resources that attract people here in the first place are not exploited and cause gridlock, for instance.”

A final decision will be made by the Joint Planning Policy Committee. A spokesman for Gwynedd and Anglesey councils said: “Setting the 15% threshold allows the planning authority to clearly define what is meant by the term ‘over-provision’ and provides clear guidance for prospective applicants and the decision maker.”

Both authorities are lobbying the Welsh Government to change national planning laws and make it compulsory for people to secure planning permission before a normal dwelling can be used as a second home or holiday let.