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Letter WMN - 2nd home planning regulations
July 7, 2003 12:00 AM
Dear Sir,
Your report of calls by West Country Liberal Democrat M.Ps for radical solutions to the regions housing problems are timely and appropriate.
Urgent measures are needed country wide to free up housing for first time buyers and those on low incomes and I endorse Nick Harvey's call for changes to the planning laws, measures I have been advocating for years. Change of use requirements in the areas of greatest need should not only be necessary for second homes but for properties intended for short term holiday rental. The decisions would be made by the locally elected representatives on the Council according to the situation in their area.
A measure already on the horizon is to allow Councils to charge 2nd. home owners 90% Council Tax. This is a very welcome move BUT the money must be ring fenced for local affordable housing needs. I understand that in the case of the South Hams District Council a potential annual income of £2.5 million is likely to be just £250,000 after the pot has been shared amongst a wide variety of other bodies. This cannot be right.
With over 10% of its housing stock being second homes, and a staggering 48% in Salcombe urgent action is needed and reform of the planning laws is an excellent place to start.
Yours sincerely,
Mike Treleaven
(Liberal Democrat Prospective Parliamentary Candidate - Totnes Constituency)
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