THE government has announced a proposal to change planning law involving short-term holiday lets in tourist hotspots.

Homeowners would need to get planning permission before converting properties into short-term holiday lets. 

A consultation published by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities proposes introducing planning permission for an existing home to start to be used as a short-term let. 

The government argues that this will support local people in areas where high numbers of holiday lets are preventing them from finding affordable housing. 

It will also consider whether to give owners the flexibility to let out their homes for up to a specified number of nights in a calendar year without the need for planning permission.

The Secretary of State Michael Gove said: "Tourism brings many benefits to our economy but in too many communities we have seen local people pushed out of cherished towns, cities and villages by huge numbers of short-term lets.

"I’m determined that we ensure that more people have access to local homes at affordable prices, and that we prioritise families desperate to rent or buy a home of their own close to where they work."

The Westmorland and Furness MP Tim Farron welcomed the proposal but did not think it went far enough - as he also wants to curb second home ownership in the area.

READ MORE: Government to change planning law by restricting holiday homes

Mr Farron said: "I’ve been asking for the Government to do this for a long time now. They’ve been dragging their feet but I’m glad we are finally seeing some progress.

“If the Government don’t crack on with this then we will see our communities die, with nowhere available for local people to raise a family or indeed for workers to be able to live so that our economy can operate.

“The Government have now opened this proposal up to public consultation. In my response to the consultation I will be making it very clear that these plans must extend to all second homes and I would strongly encourage local residents here in Westmorland to do the same.”

In December, Mr Farron brought forward an amendment to the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill which would have meant more reviews of the resources available to planning authorities to implement local plans but this was defeated in the house.