Calls for regulation of short-term holiday lets in Brighton

Green councilor Ellen McLeay is urging Brighton & Hove City Council to take action against the growing problem of short-term holiday rentals, which is impacting local rental and housing markets.

At the upcoming council meeting on Thursday, McLeay plans to propose a motion to address this concern, with support from fellow Green councilor Chloe Goldsmith.

Emphasizing the urgency of the situation, Goldsmith said: “This is just one of many issues with the housing market in our city, but it is one that we must address as quickly as possible. The council must start initial work now to ensure we are ready to implement these regulations as quickly as possible.”

McLeay’s motion calls for a detailed report on how the council can use its planning powers to regulate short-term holiday rentals. She is advocating the use of an Article 4 directive, which would provide additional planning control, similar to measures already taken to restrict shared housing in the area.

The proposal includes the presentation of a report to the council’s Cabinet and Place Overview and Scrutiny Committee, identifying areas in Brighton and Hove that would benefit from stricter regulation. The report would also outline enforcement actions for those who circumvent the necessary authorization for short-term rentals.

McLeay will also request that council leader Bella Sankey formally ask the government to give councils the power to regulate short-term rentals and close any existing loopholes.