Concerns rise over Llandudno new build listed as Airbnb for 12 guests
North Wales Live readers have been sharing their concerns over claims that a residential property on a new estate in Llandudno is being listed as an Airbnb rental. The house in Parc Bodafon, allegedly with space for up to "12 guests", appeared on the Airbnb website advertised by an owner from Leeds.
Now with locals raising questions about whether you should need planning permission for change of use in situations like this, Aberconwy's MS Janet Finch Saunders has jumped into the fray. Mrs Janet Finch-Saunders, didn't hide her concern on social media, saying: "Very shocked to see one of the Anwyl new builds at Parc Bodafon, allegedly advertising on AirBnB."
Normally, once a house is sold, the developer's hands are tied as to the eventual use of the property unless the council has set rules. For this estate, it looks like the owner can switch things up as they please, with no local authority conditions standing in the way.
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In Gwynedd, however, they have an Article 4 direction in place, meaning locals have to get planning permission to turn a place into a holiday let or second home. Gwynedd has seen a drop in second homes by 5% over the past year.
Commenter Forestdragon thinks: “Planning permission should be a requirement of letting a house as an Airbnb. In most cases, permission should not be a problem, but a house of this size will be used as a party house for hen dos and the like, and its position on an estate gives the potential for considerable disturbance to the other residents. This is not a case of Nimbyism. It's the right of other residents to enjoy their homes in the way they expected!"
Johnp11 believes: “Blame falls at the feet of Conwy Council. They should have implemented section 4 legalisation faster, to prevent this becoming a holiday home. This is also why we also need retrospective planning permission - so accommodation such as this is told to convert back to residential.”
Vaux08hall wonders: “It would be interesting to know how many new homes built are being sold to people from outside Wales, guess it's quite high?”
Flash74 replies: “Does it matter if they come from Wrexham or Wroxham? If they come to live as part of the community then surely they are welcome?”
Dave Selwood adds: “The council should give precedence for local social housing to be built. But then again how many people from North Wales have second homes elsewhere?”
Johnp11 says: “That’s utterly immoral. Adds zero to the economy, It’s incredible selfishness and fundamentally unpatriotic.” Jollysailor replies: “It's called capitalism, you make money on an asset.”
Ian1960 agrees: “It’s a personal choice as to how it is used. Happens in the rest of the UK so stop obsessing!”
KevinDavies adds: “Heaven forbid somebody buys a property and wants to do with it as they see fit! If you live on an estate with neighbours then it’s a lottery, you can buy the nicest house but you have no say over your neighbours!”
Gwylfa replies: “So if I bought a house next door to you, put 12 people in it and put a hot tub in the backyard for them to have noisy parties till 2am you wouldn’t mind in the slightest? Don’t think so.”
Flash74 says: “These houses were granted planning permission on the basis that there is a need for more homes in the Llandudno/ Conwy area. So it would make perfect sense that if somebody decides to give the house another use, planning permission should be applied for first.
"All local authorities need to implement Article 4 now - it won't stop people having holiday homes if there isn't an over-saturation, but will allow the local authority (and ultimately local people) an element of control. As for this estate, there is no way it should have been allowed at this point.
"The properties were to be used as homes, so should only have been sold for permanent occupation (but I'm not blaming the developer - it's the Council who have this power). If, after a reasonable period the properties do not sell, then consideration could be given to other uses such as holiday homes.”
How do you feel about residential properties being used as Airbnbs? Should they just be for locals or do owners have a perfect right to use the property as they wish? Have your say in our comments section.