To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether she will consider issuing strategic planning guidance to councils on how to manage the growing number of short-term holiday lets in high-pressure housing areas.

The Department’s Regional Development Strategy (RDS) 2035 and the Strategic Planning Policy Statement (SPPS) support the creation of balanced communities and, in relation to all types of housing, the policy approach is to facilitate an adequate and available supply of quality housing to meet the needs of everyone. Council local development plans (LDPs) are the main vehicle for delivering this by assessing future housing land requirements and managing housing growth in their areas, including in high pressure housing areas, to achieve sustainable patterns of residential development.

This process allows councils to address local housing issues within their communities, including in areas that may be affected by increasing numbers of short-term holiday lets. Where appropriate, LDPs can include specific policies to protect the distinctive nature and character of settlements. Councils can prepare local policies and guidance to address certain planning matters in their areas, such as short-term holiday lets, if considered necessary. Councils are also responsible for operating effective development management in respect of planning applications for all types of housing development and in doing so, the provisions of regional strategic planning policy must be taken into account. I have, therefore, no plans to revise the Department’s regional strategic planning policy approach on housing or provide specific guidance on short-term holiday lets at this time.

Notwithstanding this, I can advise that discussions, comprising a cross departmental group of officials (DfC, DfI & DfE) have recently commenced to consider the matter of short-term lets.