Policy changes being sought...

THE second homes motion passed by councillors called on the Welsh Government to:

■ Change planning laws to ensure planning permission must be sought for the change of use of a primary dwelling into a second home/holiday accommodation

■ Allow local authorities, in consultation with the community, to cap the number of second homes in each ward, and allow the use of Section 106 (planning) agreements to prevent new properties being used as second homes in wards with an unacceptable proportion

■ Introduce a licensing system for managing the conversion of a residential property into a commercial unit such as a holiday unit/house or Airbnb

■ Close a loophole that allows second homes to register as businesses in order to opt out of paying domestic rates and council tax premiums, and take advantage of business rate relief.

Carmarthenshire Council will consider charging a council tax premium of at least 200% on second homes once these have been approved.