A recent vote undertaken in Whitby has seen the community vote resoundingly in favour of imposing restrictions on second homes, with the aim of ensuring that all new homes built in area are for full-time and primary occupation.
Many coastal and rural communities have experienced a significant increase in the proportion of homes in their area being used as second homes, and this has increased rapidly since the Covid-19 pandemic which resulted in a significant rise in 'staycations' boosting demand for holiday let accommodation in popular tourist destinations.
Back in 2019, the community in St Ive's successfully implemented a Neighbourhood Plan which included a policy restricting new homes from being used as second homes. This policy was the subject of an unsuccessful legal challenge and remains in place.
With rising house prices, and limited availability of properties we are likely to see a rise in Town and Parish Councils seeking to control further growth of second homes in their communities, and Neighbourhood Plans may well be the most suitable vehicle for delivering this, where there is compelling evidence to support the need to restrict occupancy of new homes.
If you are considering a Neighbourhood Plan in your area and need advice, please do not hesitate to get in touch for a no obligation consultation.
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