PLANNING PERMISSION FOR SECOND HOMES

Motion Text

That this House notes that the South Lakes area has one of the highest levels of second home ownership in the country; acknowledges the effect second home ownership can have on rural communities, including the decline and closure of key local services and amenities; recognises the effect second home ownership has on the supply of housing at a time when so many people and families struggle to attain a home of their own; calls on the Government to change planning laws to require homeowners to seek planning permission if they do not intend to live in the property on a full-time basis; and believes that such a process would allow local elected representatives to have a direct say on the level of second home ownership in their communities, giving them the opportunity to reject bids where they feel the number of second homes is having a negative impact on local life.