Council focuses on “crazy” numbers of short-term lets

Cabinet members at Brighton and Hove City Council are this week discussing possible measures to curb short-term lets as they seek to address ongoing housing supply issues.

Officials believe there may be as many as 5,000 such properties in the Sussex city, prompting calls for licensing, increased regulation and additional investigations into property owners who may be avoiding paying business rates.

Pointing out that 2,100 homes in the area are currently for rent on the website Rightmove, Green councillor Ollie Sykes said: “Basically, there is nowhere to rent in Brighton and Hove any more. It’s all Airbnb, which is absolutely crazy. I’m all for compliant, regulated short-term lets… but also clear that should be controlled by planning due to the impact on housing.”

Brighton and Hove’s attempts to address the short-term lets situation follow moves by several other English councils. Blackpool, for example, has included a holiday lets zone as part of its recent strategic plan while, in the capital, Westminster City Council is targeting abuse of short-term lets and associated noise nuisance. The London borough is currently investigating more than 2,600 properties it believes may be being used unlawfully as short-term lets.

Speaking to the Big Issue, councillor Jacob Taylor, Brighton and Hove’s deputy leader, agreed that short-term lets have an important role to play in the tourism and events sectors.

However, he added: “Without regulation, this rapidly growing sector impacts the housing supply for our city’s residents… and can also negatively impact neighbours by causing noise nuisance, attracting antisocial behaviour, putting pressure on limited parking, leaving rubbish out incorrectly and even endangering visitors due to lack of correct fire and gas safety measures.”

Brighton and Hove City Council’s short-term lets “Task & Finish” group has already mooted the idea of introducing specific parking permits for the properties, although it recognises this may bring with it a decline in revenue from on-street parking and car park fees.