GWYNEDD Council has welcomed the package of measures announced today by the Welsh Government to address the impact of second homes and holiday accommodation on the ability of people to access affordable homes in their communities.
The announcement by First Minister Mark Drakeford MS and Plaid Cymru leader Adam Price MS outlines innovative changes to the planning system, a licensing scheme for holiday accommodation and taxation proposals.
The Leader of Gwynedd Council, Councillor Dyfrig Siencyn, said: "This announcement is a further positive step in the effort to tackle the second homes crisis.
"I’m very pleased to see that our calls as a Council have been incorporated in this announcement.
“We now look forward to continue working with Welsh Government to ensure positive change in this crucial policy area.
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"The current situation – where people are priced out of their communities – is completely unsustainable and unacceptable. This intervention is much needed to ensure that people can access suitable housing in their communities."
According to today’s Government announcement, three new planning use classes will be introduced – primary home, second home and short-term holiday accommodation.
Where there is evidence, local planning authorities will be able to adapt the system so that planning permission must be obtained to change the use of a dwelling from one class to another.
Changes will also be introduced to national planning policies to enable local authorities to control the number of second homes and holiday accommodation within communities.
As a second measure, the Government will introduce a mandatory licensing system for short-term holiday accommodation. This change will help councils manage the housing system and raise standards across the tourism industry.
The announcement also includes a commitment to introduce Land Transaction Tax and council mortgages in areas where there is a high proportion of second homes.
Councillor Siencyn added: "We are pleased that the Government has listened to our arguments and is acting to give local government powers through the planning system to address the impact of second homes on our villages and towns.
"As a Council, we have been calling specifically for a mandatory licensing system for short-term holiday accommodation. We are extremely pleased that the government has accepted our arguments and have included this essential measure in the proposal.
"We are looking forward to receiving more details from the Government about the national plan to introduce Land Transactions Tax and council mortgages.
“Every initiative that facilitates fair opportunities for first time buyers to be able to afford houses in their own communities is to be warmly welcomed.
"We look forward to learning more about these measures. Above all, we want to continue to work with Welsh Government to ensure that these plans are effectively implemented at grass roots level as soon as possible."
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