THERE were just under 1,000 properties being used as holiday homes across Carlisle, Allerdale and Copeland in 2021, new figures have revealed. 

The 2021 census figures from the Office for National Statistics highlight the growing problem holiday lets are having on the housing market, reducing supply and driving up house prices, especially in tourist areas. 

The figures show there were approximately 75 holiday homes in Carlisle, 625 in Allerdale and 220 in Copeland. 

In the UK, more than 75,000 addresses were used as holiday homes in 2021 – of these, around 5,305 were based in the North West, equating to 1.6 per 1,000 dwellings.

While public figures acknowledge the importance of holiday lets to the local economy and small businesses in Cumbria’s towns, they fear that second homes are appearing at such a rate that they are reducing the number of homes available for permanent residence.

The Department for Levelling Up, Housing, and Communities has recently released a government consultation that suggests significant changes to the regulations governing short-term holiday lets.

The proposed alterations aim to address the concerns raised by local communities throughout the country and strike a balance between the benefits of tourism and the need for affordable housing.

One of the main proposals outlined in the consultation is the introduction of planning permission for homeowners wishing to use their existing properties as short-term holiday rentals, ensuring the public can have their say. 

Dr Neil Hudson, MP for Penrith and The Border, said:  "I really would urge local people who have long suffered the negative effects of short-term holiday lets to get involved and have their say.

"It is so important that local communities are in the driving seat when it comes to property usage.  

"These proposals could greatly benefit areas in Penrith and The Border where local people can all too often find themselves priced out of the communities they live and work in.  

"This is not about stamping out short-term lets completely but striking a balance that works for communities and is supported by local people. Short-term lets can provide working people with a valuable source of income and I know of local people who rent out their homes when they go on holiday. However, implementing sensible planning measures would rightly prioritise local families and I fully support the Government’s plan.” 

To have your say on the potential introduction of a use class for short term lets and associated permitted development rights, you can visit:  www.gov.uk/government/consultations/introduction-of-a-use-class-for-short-term-lets-and-associated-permitted-development-rights