Alarm over spread of short term lets across Bolton

Town hall chiefs heard how the borough has seen a rise in flats and houses used for short-term lettings under companies like Airbnb, Vrvo and Booking.com.

But this has been a major cause of concern for longer-term residents, particularly older ones, who often end up living next door to houses full of people staying over.

Cllr Susan Priest, of Smithills, said: “There has been an alarming increase in the number of houses and apartments that are being advertised at ‘short term lets’ under such companies as Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com and others

"Outside of London there is very little in the way of planning requirements or regulations for such properties and the high rates of return are proving attractive to a number of landlords.”

Questions were raised at Bolton Town Hall (Image: Newsquest)

She added: “Our own planning enforcement are currently looking into a property referred to by local residents as ‘The Party House’ which sleeps 18 and has a shared drive with the unfortunate neighbour.

“However, there are many properties across Bolton from town houses, apartments and semi-detached in quiet residential areas that are causing real problems.

“I recently heard of a two up, two down with regularly sleep eight to ten guests just last weekend.”

Cllr Priest told a full meeting of Bolton Council that as well as causing disruption and noise, houses being used in this way also meant that there was less space for families to buy or rent.

She pointed to a policy development group that the authority has recently set up to change the rules on allowing homes to be converted into houses in multiple occupation.

This is looking at changing the rules to need developers to apply for full planning permission before they can convert houses in this way.

As it stands developers only need planning permission when bidding to turn houses into HMOs with more than six bedrooms.

Cllr Priest asked if looking at short-term lets could also be included in this.

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In response, council cabinet member for regeneration Cllr Akhtar Zaman said that no planning control like this existed at national level.

But he said that cases where more than six people are staying in short-term lets should be reported to the council’s enforcement team for further investigations.

Cllr Zaman said: “Officers have confirmed that they understand that central government are looking into this national issue and they await further guidance and changes to any regulations regarding this matter.

“And therefore, given the potential changes it is considered the council will await further clarity and guidance from central government on this issue.”

Booking.com have said that they hope to work with the government and local authorities on issues like these.

A spokesperson said: "As a responsible company, Booking.com is committed to working with authorities to find real, workable solutions to regulate short-term rentals.

"We believe clear legislation for all players in the industry, including an enforceable registration system, represents the best way to ensure a level playing field and a positive outcome for travellers, home owners and local economies."