Green councillor Elaine McLeay has urged Brighton and Hove City Council to take action against the growing problem of short-term holiday lettings which is affecting local rental and housing markets.
At the next council meeting on Thursday, Mackley plans to table a motion to address this concern, supported by fellow Green councillor Chloe Goldsmith.
Goldsmith stressed the seriousness of the situation, saying: “This is just one of many issues facing our city’s housing market, but it is one that we need to address as soon as possible. The council must start the initial work now to ensure we are ready to implement these regulations as soon as possible.”
Macleay’s proposal calls for a detailed report on how the council could use its planning powers to regulate short-term holiday lettings. It calls for the use of Section 4 guidance, which would give additional planning control, similar to measures already in place to limit shared housing in the area.
The proposal includes a report to the Cabinet and the Venues Review and Scrutiny Committee, identifying areas in Brighton and Hove that would benefit from stricter regulation. The report will also outline enforcement measures for those who exceed the necessary permits for short-term lettings.
Macleay is also set to ask council leader Bella Sankey to formally ask the government to give councils the power to regulate short-term rentals and close any loopholes that exist.