Latest news with #Article4Direction
Wales Online
26-06-2025
- Wales Online
The Gwynedd village where almost half of properties are second homes or holiday lets
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Curbs on the use of second homes and holiday lets in Eryri will provide "more control" over the area's housing stock, planning bosses say. It comes as figures show almost half of homes in one village are used as second homes or holiday lets. An Article 4 Direction came into force in the Eryri National Park on June 1, 2025, removing permitted rights over the change of use of main homes to second homes or short term holiday lets, and certain mixed uses. It also removed permitted rights over the change of use from second homes to short term holiday lets, and vice versa. Get all the latest Gwynedd news by signing up to our newsletter - sent every Tuesday Now, Eryri National Park's planning and access committee has approved recommendations over its Draft Supplementary Planning Guidance [SPG], managing the use of dwellings as holiday homes, during a meeting on Wednesday, June 25. The SPG was needed to identify a threshold figure for the percentages of permitted properties, to be reviewed annually. The document also provides guidance to help those submitting planning applications, and helps planning officers and park authority members to determine applications relating to the change of use of main and second homes and holiday lets. A figure of 15% had been considered "appropriate" as a threshold figure limiting the number of holiday or second homes in specific areas. In Eryri, the level currently stands at 17.4%, for the whole park. However, 15% for individual areas was said to "reflect policy frameworks" used by other authorities. Data showed the percentage of second homes and short term lets per community council areas. The highest was in Aberdyfi, where 45% of homes were second homes or holiday lets. Among the highest were: Beddgelert at 34.4%, Llanfair; 28.4%, Capel Curig; 24.8%, Betws Garmon; 22%, Betws y Coed; 20.8%, Pennal; 20.6%, Arthog; 19.9%, Brithdir and Llanfachraeth; 19%, Bro Garmon; 19.2%, Llanbedr; 18.9, Talsarnau; 18%, Abermaw; 17.9%, Llanelltyd; 16.9, Dolwyddelan; 16.7% and Harlech; 16.5%. Among the lowest were: Dolgarrog; 1.9%, Llanrwst; 2.5%, Llanddeiniolen; 3.1%, Llanfairfechan; 3.2%, Llangywair; 3.3%, Aber; 3.3%, Llandygai; 3.4%, Penmaenmawr; 4.6%, Conwy; 4.8%, and Bala; 4.9%. During the discussion over the threshold, Cllr Edgar Owen, asked: "So, in Bala, where it's about 4% - does that mean they can now build more holiday homes? "Say, if we build one hundred affordable homes, in addition to what's there, does that mean they can build 15 holiday homes as well? "The number for the park as a whole is 18% so we should stop now, shouldn't we?" Geraint Evans, Planning Officer (Policy), said: "It is important to remember that the guidance recommends with new homes, if they aren't affordable, there should be a requirement set on them so they can't be used as second homes or holiday lets. "If there were 100 homes in Bala, the percentage would go down, because they would not be able to be used as new holiday lets. The percentage in total would reduce." Cllr Elwyn Jones queried the rise and fall of figures in areas, and asked if there would be a review. Director of Planning and Partnerships Keira Sweenie said a review in a year would be "very sensible". She said: "Whatever percentage we agree today, nobody knows what the impact of the guidance will be. "What is important is that we are in a better situation than before Article 4, because, at least now we have some level of control. "There are areas where the numbers will go up and down, depending on trends and people's needs." She added the threshold figure may need to be lowered or raised in the future, and noted that it was important to find "balance" with regard to the visitor economy in the park. She said: "We have not looked at this problem before, the most important thing is, what we have now is an improvement." It was hoped the measures would help bring the numbers down across the park. It was also noted that each application was "judged on its own merit" and that the threshold percentage was only part of the planning considerations. Join the North Wales Live Whatsapp community now
North Wales Live
26-06-2025
- General
- North Wales Live
The Gwynedd village where almost half of properties are second homes or holiday lets
Curbs on the use of second homes and holiday lets in Eryri will provide "more control" over the area's housing stock, planning bosses say. It comes as figures show almost half of homes in one village are used as second homes or holiday lets. An Article 4 Direction came into force in the Eryri National Park on June 1, 2025, removing permitted rights over the change of use of main homes to second homes or short term holiday lets, and certain mixed uses. It also removed permitted rights over the change of use from second homes to short term holiday lets, and vice versa. Get all the latest Gwynedd news by signing up to our newsletter - sent every Tuesday Now, Eryri National Park's planning and access committee has approved recommendations over its Draft Supplementary Planning Guidance [SPG], managing the use of dwellings as holiday homes, during a meeting on Wednesday, June 25. The SPG was needed to identify a threshold figure for the percentages of permitted properties, to be reviewed annually. The document also provides guidance to help those submitting planning applications, and helps planning officers and park authority members to determine applications relating to the change of use of main and second homes and holiday lets. A figure of 15% had been considered "appropriate" as a threshold figure limiting the number of holiday or second homes in specific areas. In Eryri, the level currently stands at 17.4%, for the whole park. However, 15% for individual areas was said to "reflect policy frameworks" used by other authorities. Data showed the percentage of second homes and short term lets per community council areas. The highest was in Aberdyfi, where 45% of homes were second homes or holiday lets. Among the highest were: Beddgelert at 34.4%, Llanfair; 28.4%, Capel Curig; 24.8%, Betws Garmon; 22%, Betws y Coed; 20.8%, Pennal; 20.6%, Arthog; 19.9%, Brithdir and Llanfachraeth; 19%, Bro Garmon; 19.2%, Llanbedr; 18.9, Talsarnau; 18%, Abermaw; 17.9%, Llanelltyd; 16.9, Dolwyddelan; 16.7% and Harlech; 16.5%. Among the lowest were: Dolgarrog; 1.9%, Llanrwst; 2.5%, Llanddeiniolen; 3.1%, Llanfairfechan; 3.2%, Llangywair; 3.3%, Aber; 3.3%, Llandygai; 3.4%, Penmaenmawr; 4.6%, Conwy; 4.8%, and Bala; 4.9%. During the discussion over the threshold, Cllr Edgar Owen, asked: "So, in Bala, where it's about 4% - does that mean they can now build more holiday homes? "Say, if we build one hundred affordable homes, in addition to what's there, does that mean they can build 15 holiday homes as well? "The number for the park as a whole is 18% so we should stop now, shouldn't we?" Geraint Evans, Planning Officer (Policy), said: "It is important to remember that the guidance recommends with new homes, if they aren't affordable, there should be a requirement set on them so they can't be used as second homes or holiday lets. "If there were 100 homes in Bala, the percentage would go down, because they would not be able to be used as new holiday lets. The percentage in total would reduce." Cllr Elwyn Jones queried the rise and fall of figures in areas, and asked if there would be a review. Director of Planning and Partnerships Keira Sweenie said a review in a year would be "very sensible". She said: "Whatever percentage we agree today, nobody knows what the impact of the guidance will be. "What is important is that we are in a better situation than before Article 4, because, at least now we have some level of control. "There are areas where the numbers will go up and down, depending on trends and people's needs." She added the threshold figure may need to be lowered or raised in the future, and noted that it was important to find "balance" with regard to the visitor economy in the park. She said: "We have not looked at this problem before, the most important thing is, what we have now is an improvement." It was hoped the measures would help bring the numbers down across the park. It was also noted that each application was "judged on its own merit" and that the threshold percentage was only part of the planning considerations.
South Wales Argus
06-05-2025
- Business
- South Wales Argus
Conversion of Newport house into larger HMO approved
The property, located in Mellon Street, Newport, will be converted from a four-bedroom house in multiple occupation (HMO) to a five-bedroom property. The application has been granted with conditions. This approval also marks the first formal planning permission for the property's HMO status, even though it has held HMO licenses since 2011. The conversion will include five bedrooms, two of which will have en-suites, a communal living area, WC, kitchen, and bathroom. The property is located within the Lower Dock Street Conservation Area and has an Article 4 Direction, which removes certain permitted development rights to protect the character of the area. Part of the conversion plan includes the installation of three cycle racks and refuse storage at the rear of the property. A review of the neighbourhood found that the proposed increase in HMO capacity complies with Policy H8, which imposes a maximum threshold of 15 per cent within a 50m radius. The current HMO density in the area is 10.34 per cent. The proposed changes also meet the requirements of the Historic Environment Act, as no external alterations are planned. The internal space standards are also met, with all bedrooms exceeding the minimum size requirements. The application was reviewed and accepted by various bodies. Welsh Water confirmed capacity exists, while the Highways Authority, despite concerns about refuse and cycle parking, accepted the proposal due to its sustainable location. The Principal Heritage Officer had no objections, and the police noted the area has a low crime and vulnerability rate. Waste Management requires the provision of proper bin sizes and placement as per council specification. The application attracted no objections or comments from the 93 neighbours consulted or from local councillors. Conditions attached to the approval include the submission and implementation of secure cycle parking details, the installation of a bird box for biodiversity enhancement, and the occupancy limited to five residents.
North Wales Live
22-04-2025
- Business
- North Wales Live
Airbnb proposal for flats in Eryri tourism hotspot but planners explain why they don't like it
An Airbnb proposal for a block of flats in an Eryri tourism hotspot looks set to be rejected. Peter Rowe, from PLP Estates, put in an application for Compton House on Llanberis High Street. The company wants to turn the block from five long term rental flats to five holiday lets - which will be promoted on sites like Airbnb and But any changes of use like this now need to be approved by Cyngor Gwynedd after the council adopted the new Article 4 planning rule. This gives the local authority more powers on the creation of holiday lets or second homes, with planning permission now needed. It was brought in over concern about the rise in the number of holiday properties in certain communities, although it is fiercely opposed by some over fears about the impact on house prices and the tourism sector. The applicant said the proposal would be a high-quality development which would bring the building back into use thus benefiting the economy. They said it would not harm the local housing market and would see investment in the property. A supporting statement said the village of Llanberis was not one of the areas in Gwynedd where second homes and holiday lets made up more than 15% of the local housing stock. They said these are areas the council defines as having an "over-provision" of holiday homes and that Llanberis was not on the list. But the Llanberis and Nant Peris Community Council said members were unanimous in objecting to the application. They said: "The building is currently a building for long term rentals which helps with providing homes to local people. Changing the site to a building offering hospitality flats ensures an adverse impact on the Community because of the impact on the Welsh language, homes for local people and pupil numbers within the primary school." They said that Llanberis and Nant Peris have a high proportion of Airbnb houses and flats and holiday homes - disputing the official figures as they say many houses not registered as holiday homes. They added: "Local people are unable to remain within their communities to raise families because no affordable houses are available. The council acknowledges that visitors contribute to the local economy, but it can also affect the local area. There is an over-provision of holiday homes in the village. This development will also have an impact on transport and parking within the village." Planning officers at Cyngor Gwynedd agreed and have recommended the application is refused. They said: "The loss of five residential units from the stock would be harmful to the area and community and undermine the principles of the Article 4 Direction that has recently come into force in the Cyngor Gwynedd Planning Area. "It is considered that the Business Plan is insufficient to prove the need for the proposal and there is no certainty that the development would be viable. There is doubt too that the site's parking provision is sufficient for its purpose."
Yahoo
21-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Businesses across Lewisham to require planning permission to convert to homes
The London Borough of Lewisham has announced changes to planning permissions for business premises. From November 1, 2025, businesses in certain areas will need planning permission to convert their premises into homes. The council confirmed the new rule, known as an Article 4 Direction, on March 6. This development follows a prior notice issued in September of the previous year. The Article 4 Direction stops the automatic right to change the use of a building from commercial (Class E) to residential (Class C3) in specified areas. It means businesses and services in those areas will now have to apply for planning permission to make such changes. The direction applies to major centres such as Catford and different parts of Lewisham, including district centres like New Cross, Deptford, Forest Hill, Sydenham, Blackheath, Lee Green, and Downham. Local centres affected include Evelyn Street, New Cross Road, Brockley Cross, Ladywell, Crofton Park, Honor Oak/Brockley Rise, Bellingham, Downham Way, Hither Green Lane, Staplehurst Road, Grove Park, Lee Station, Kirkdale, and Lewisham Way. Parades in Burnt Ash Hill, Marvels Lane & Chinbrook Road, Evelyn Street, Southend Lane, Brockley Rise, Perry Vale, Perry Hill, Verdant Lane, Stanstead Road, Sangley Road & Sandhurst Road are included as well. Strategic industrial locations like Bromley Road and Surrey Canal are also part of the areas covered by this new rule. In addition, mixed-use employment locations such as Plough Way, Convoys Wharf, Grinstead Road, Surrey Canal Triangle, Childers Street East, and Arklow Road are subject to the new planning permission requirements. Locally significant industrial sites in Endwell Road, Malham Road, Childers Street West, and Lower Creekside are also included. The Article 4 Direction applies to the entirety of mixed-use employment locations at Oxestalls Road, Sun and Kent Wharf, and Thanet Wharf. Locally significant industrial sites at Blackheath Hill, Evelyn Court, Willow Way, Worsley Bridge Road, Stanton Square, Apollo Business Centre, Trundley's Road, Perry Vale, and Clyde Vale are also entirely covered by the direction. The Article 4 Direction will be enforced starting November 1, 2025. The council has made documents related to the direction, including maps defining the affected areas, available online. They can be viewed at Physical copies are also available for review at several local libraries, including Catford Library, Deptford Library, Grove Park Library, Downham Library, and Sydenham Library. The council has emphasised that these changes are aimed at regulating the transformation of business areas into residential zones, ensuring a balanced development approach that considers both community and economic needs. Nick Fenwick, the council's Director of Planning, is the authorised officer overseeing these changes. Want to find out all the latest planning applications, alcohol licensing applications and planned road closures near you? Then search the Public Notice Portal. The Public Notice Portal is owned and operated by the News Media Association, the voice of UK national, regional, and local newspapers in all their print and digital forms. NMA members include nearly 900 local and regional news titles which reach 40 million people across the length and breadth of the country each month. Many of these publications have served their communities for centuries and remain the most reliable source of verified news and information. Created by local news publishers and supported by the Google News Initiative, the portal carries statutory public notices published in local newspapers and is the fastest and most effective way of finding out what is happening in YOUR neighbourhood. Public Notice Portal Find, save and share Public Notices that affect you in your local area
