Complaints as airbnbs open in Blackpool's residential areas

An investigation by councillors is recommending planning enforcement powers are used more widely to control the spread of such short term lets.

Many are operating in residential areas without planning permission, with the council having to deal with a rising number of complaints.

These include noise disturbance and anti-social behaviour due to holidaymakers staying in residential areas, lack of fire safety precautions and uncollected rubbish.

There are also concerns over operators not paying the correct business rates or council tax, and of properties being incorrectly insured or mortgaged in relation to use as holiday accommodation.

A scrutiny carried out by members of the council’s tourism, economy and communities committee has made three recommendations.

Coun Fred Jackson, who chaired the inquiry, said in a report: “The issue of short term lettings is one that has grown in Blackpool in recent years andcreated significant concern for local people and businesses.

“As a scrutiny panel we have sought to understand the scale and scope of the issue within Blackpool and gain an understanding of the impact of short term lettings on our residents.”

While the resort’s hoteliers must fulfil strict regulations including some paid for licences, airbnbs are unregulated with the lack of fire safety precautions said by the report to be “of grave concern.”

Residential properties are required to have planning permission to allow change of use, but most operate without approval.

The recommendations from the scrutiny report are

To endorse the use of planning enforcement notices to address the issue of short-term lettings being operated as holiday accommodation in residential areas without the appropriate planning permission.

That the council explores the maximum use of its available powers to address the growth of airbnbs in Blackpool.

That additional resources be identified to ensure enforcement action can be taken where necessary.

Coun Gerard Walsh told a meeting of the scrutiny committee there were now around 500 airbnbs operating in Blackpool.

He said the council was missing out on around £250,000 worth of revenue due to operators failing to apply for planning permission.