BCP Council (Bournemouth area): Just before the Christmas break we secured permission for a change of use of a former single garage to a 1-bed residential unit for use as serviced holiday accommodation in Bournemouth. The supporting planning drawings were prepared by Plan Build 3D.
Pure Town Planning prepared a robust statement setting out the reasoning for why we felt the scheme complied with currently adopted planning policy. The Council’s tourism officer was consulted during the application process and advised the following which may be useful for those thinking of similar proposals:
“The applicant is seeking planning permission to use the property as an Airbnb. From a tourism perspective we would be looking at the impact this development may have on surrounding tourism function but conducting an on-line search there does not appear to be hotels or guest houses nearby therefore the impact on the tourism sector is minimal, although there are undoubtedly a few Airbnb’s nearby.
Airbnb has seen significant growth in the Bournemouth area since 2015 and it is true to say that this has impacted on the ability of smaller guest houses and un-branded hotels up to 2-star level to compete. This is very largely because the sharing economy, which includes Airbnb, is not subject to much regulation or requirement to pay business rates, creating a very un-even playing field for commercial businesses. There is not, at the current time, any legislation available to local authorities outside of London to manage or
regulate Airbnb type properties. On balance we would not object from a tourism perspective“.
If you are thinking of earning some additional income by carrying out short term Airbnb serviced holiday accommodation lets either within your home or within an outbuilding at your property, or perhaps you are looking to regularise an existing Airbnb use then why not give Pure Town Planning a call on 01202 585524 or send an email to info@puretownplanning.co.uk for an initial confidential discussion on how we can assist you too!