Concern after house on new estate is allegedly 'advertised for 12 people on Airbnb'

Parc Bodafon estate in Llandudno
-Credit: (Image: Google instant street view)


There is concern that a residential house on a new estate is allegedly being advertised on the Airbnb website. A politician is looking into the unconfirmed report in Llandudno.

The house in Parc Bodafon is allegedly being billed as having space for "12 guests" by the owner based in Leeds, West Yorkshire. But one observer on social media wondered if rules need to be put in place in future so residential owners need permission for such a change of use - as is the case now in neighbouring Gwynedd.

Now Janet Finch-Saunders, MS for Aberconwy, has pledged to find out more. The observer, wrote on Facebook: "At least our local MS is doing something about it but I think the only way to proceed is to introduce a planning clause for change of use so it can be regulated following Gwynedd's lead on controlling the amount of holiday homes."

Read more: How last pub in tiny North Wales village was saved from closure and is now in safe hands

Read more: 'No fuss' North Wales chippy that's 'better than a Michelin star restaurant'

Mrs Finch-Saunders MS posted: "Very shocked to see one of the Anwyl new builds at Parc Bodafon, allegedly advertising on Air BnB. Get all the latest Gwynedd news by signing up to our newsletter - sent every Tuesday

"Whilst residents had reported this to me, last week, I always ensure that this was not just a rumour and even raised this with Anwyl at the Public Meeting in Penrhyn Bay recently to discuss the new 152 unit development proposed there.

"Very disappointed on behalf of those residents, who faced much disruption during the the building process and will certainly be contacting Anwyl Construction first thing on Monday morning."

In most cases a developer will not have control over what people do with a property once sold unless a local authority puts in specific conditions. It is not believed there are any such conditions in the case of this new estate so the owner would have the freedom to change the use.

Meanwhile, in Gwynedd restrictions on second homes and holiday lets are anticipated following the implementation of an Article 4 direction in Gwynedd (excluding Eryri). Effective from September 1, this requires owners to secure planning permission to convert their properties into a second home or short-term holiday let.

It comes as the number of second homes in Gwynedd dropped by five pc in the last 12 months. This follows an increase in Council Tax premiums.

However, the falls were proportionately much smaller in areas of higher densities of second homes such as the Llyn peninsula.

Join the North Wales Live Whatsapp community now