Agreement reached on historical measure concerning the crisis of Welsh vacation properties
Gwynedd Council has proposed a significant move to address the high percentage of the population priced out of the housing market (65.5%) by introducing an Article 4 Direction. This planning tool enables local authorities to respond to specific area needs and control the use of houses as second homes or short-term holiday accommodation.
If approved, Gwynedd would be the first authority in Wales to introduce such a change. The measure is a response to the Welsh government's series of measures announced last year to address the impact of second homes and short-term holiday accommodation on Welsh communities.
Under the proposed Article 4 Direction, second-home owners would need planning permission. This would apply to changes from one use to another, such as from a primary residence to a second home or short-term holiday accommodation. However, pre-existing second homes and holiday lets would be exempt from this requirement.
The Welsh Government has committed to providing financial support to Gwynedd Council to appoint additional planning officers to handle the extra workload. Gwynedd Council plans to advertise jobs for these additional officers in the coming months.
Cllr Dafydd Meurig, the Cyngor Gwynedd Cabinet Member for Environment, commented on the matter, stating that Gwynedd Council, along with organisations like Hawl i Fyw Adra and Cymdeithas yr Iaith, have long called on the Welsh Government to tackle the increase in holiday homes across the county and the effect that is having on communities.
The Gwynedd Local Planning Authority Area does not include the Eryri National Park Authority Area, but the latter is considering the introduction of an Article 4 Direction. The Welsh government's measures included permitting councils to increase council tax premiums and changes to the criteria for self-catering accommodation being liable for business rates instead of council tax.
The proposed change aims to protect the housing stock and support Gwynedd's residents in accessing affordable housing. If successful, it could set a precedent for other areas in Wales facing similar challenges. The measure is a continuation of the Welsh government's commitment to addressing the impact of second homes and short-term holiday accommodation on Welsh communities.
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