MP celebrates huge campaign win after Government finally agree to change planning law for short term lets

Cumbrian MP Tim Farron has warmly welcomed this morning’s news that the Government will change planning rules to limit the number of short term lets in local communities.

Today’s announcement will see planning permission required for anyone wishing to turn a primary residence into a short term let, giving local authorities the power to reject applications in towns and villages where there is already an excessive amount of holiday lets and Airbnbs.

As a member of the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill Committee, Tim put forward an amendment in July 2022 calling for this change, but it was narrowly defeated by Conservative MPs.

Speaking today, Tim said: “After years of campaigning, I’m absolutely thrilled that the Government have finally agreed to our calls to change planning law so we can protect our communities from being hollowed out.

“I first raised this idea with Rishi Sunak in the House of Commons five years ago back when he was a junior housing minister. It’s been a long time coming but I’m really glad that we’ve finally dragged the Government kicking and screaming to reach this point.

“I’m massively grateful to everyone here in Cumbria who signed our petition and backed the campaign.

“The Government must now ensure that local planning authorities have the resources to deal with this change and ensure that they have the tools to stop the tide of our communities being turned into ghost towns. “