The short-term letting sector is a good example of how people can participate in the sharing economy to create more choice in holiday accommodation, which can help increase local tourism. Let me be clear that the Government backs small businesses, including responsible short-term holiday letting, which I recognise brings significant investment to local communities. In the Bexhill and Battle constituency, some tourist areas suffer from a shortage of hotels. As a result, short-term rentals have proven to be an indispensable support system for local tourism businesses by offering essential accommodation options that would otherwise be unavailable.

However, I do share your concerns about the potential impact of these regulations on our rural and coastal communities. Responsible short-term lets have indeed been a vital source of tourism revenue for our area for many years, and it is crucial that any reforms do not inadvertently harm the local economy and community. The Government’s proposed planning changes would see the introduction of a new national use class and, simultaneously, the introduction of a new permitted development right. The new permitted development right would provide flexibility where short-term lets are not a local issue and allow for this flexibility to be removed where there is a local concern. Any Article 4 direction to remove the permitted development right must be evidence based and should apply to the smallest geographical area possible and could therefore be focused on those areas or streets that see the highest numbers of short-term lets, or individual properties.

As set out in the consultation document, when the use class comes into effect existing properties would fall into the short-term let use class where they met the definition or remain as C3 dwellinghouse. Any re-classification is not considered development and so property owners should not need to apply for planning permission where they meet the definition of short-term let. They would be classified as such and would not require planning permission.

As you may know, the Government has also consulted on plans for a short-term lets registration scheme. I agree with you that a registration scheme is important. Crucially, it will provide information to help local authorities enforce health and safety regulations and apply and enforce the planning changes.

Please be assured that concerns are heard and taken into account as we work towards a balanced approach to the regulations surrounding short-term holiday letting. Our goal is to preserve the vibrant spirit of our local tourism industry while safeguarding the unique character of our rural and coastal communities.