Farron calls for government to take action to limit damage caused by excessive second home ownership

South Lakes MP Tim Farron has put down a motion in the House of Commons calling on the government to change the planning law so that property owners will have to apply for planning permission to change a family home into a second home.

The change would allow local councils to reject bids where they feel the number of second homes is having a negative impact on local life.

Around 7.5% of properties in South Lakeland are currently second homes.

Tim said: "The South Lakes continues to have one of the highest levels of second home ownership in the country.

"Second home ownership has a massive impact on local communities across the South Lakes, with it often leading to the decline and closure of key local services like schools, bus services and shops.

"If our councils had the power to reject bids for second homes, they could better meet the needs of the local communities struggling with excessive second home ownership in a fair and effective way."