Cornish MP's bid to require planning permission for second homes blocked

Summarised from 3 outlets · 4 reports · Updated 14 Nov, 13:56 · Archive

A Cornish MP's bill requiring planning permission for second homes and holiday lets failed to secure a second reading in Parliament on Friday.

Andrew George, Liberal Democrat MP for St Ives and West Cornwall, launched his Homes and Planning Bill in the House of Commons on Friday with a call to protect permanent homes in seaside and rural communities. The private member's bill would require homeowners to secure planning permission before converting properties into second homes or short-term holiday lets, and would give councils the power to set caps on the proportion of houses used for such purposes.

George told MPs that homes were "desperately needed" for permanent residents and warned of "a risk of proliferation of properties which are desperately needed for permanent occupancy, which are ebbing away from the local community and going for non-permanent use". BBC Cornwall reported that George cited 2,700 holiday lets, including Airbnb listings, available in his constituency alone, and noted that Cornwall Council recorded 13,140 second homes across the county in October 2023.

Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook argued against the bill, telling the Commons he was "considering all options" to help people in seaside and rural counties access housing. However, he rejected George's core proposal, arguing that "planning-use classes run with the land or building and they are not based on ownership". The Government used its parliamentary powers to effectively block the bill's passage by adjourning the debate.

MPs agreed to pause proceedings, with the debate listed for reconsideration on 15 January. However, all four outlets reported the bill is unlikely to become law without backing from the Labour Government, which has a majority in the Commons. George responded by saying the minister had offered "warm words, but this is cold comfort for thousands of families struggling in housing poverty", and accused the Government of missing "a golden opportunity to support measures which would help address the housing crisis".

How it is being reported

• Debate paused on MP's bill for second-home controlsMP Andrew George wants second-home owners in seaside and rural communities to apply for planning permission.BBC Cornwall · 14 Nov, 13:43
• Housing minister rejects Cornwall MP’s bid to clamp down on second home creationMP Andrew George has slammed the Government for blocking his ‘Homes for Locals’ Bill in Parliament today.Falmouth Packet · 13 Nov, 14:22
• Permanent residences ‘desperately needed’, Cornish MP tells CommonsThere is a "desperate housing need" in CornwallCornwallLive · 13 Nov, 13:05
• Cornish MP launches bid in parliament for second homes planning permissionHomes for permanent residents are "desperately needed" in English seaside counties, an MP has said, as he launched a push to stop holidaymakers turning houses into staycation accommodation.Falmouth Packet · 13 Nov, 12:38

In this story: Andrew George · Matthew Pennycook · St Ives · West Cornwall · Cornwall · Cornwall Council · House of Commons

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem · Corrections log