Ruling could undermine measures to control spread of airbnb-type holiday lets

It is estimated there are up to 500 airbnbs currently operating in the resort – but many are in residential areas with poorly managed accommodation leading to a rise in complaints about anti-social behaviour.

There are also concerns the growth of short-let accommodation, which is less regulated, could undermine the resort’s traditional b&bs by creating a surplus of holiday bed spaces.

A scrutiny inquiry by councillors recommended the council should use its planning and enforcement powers to control the spread.

But in one of the first cases to be taken to appeal, an independent planning inspector has overturned a council decision to refuse permission for a nine-bedroom holiday let in Dean Street, South Shore.

The inspector said the applicant had taken measures to keep potential noise down including fitting reinforced soundproofing and adopting a policy to prevent anti-social behaviour.

Planning permission was granted, with the inspector adding in his report: “I have not been made aware of any complaints regarding noise in the two years or so in which the use has been operating.”

Blackpool Council is backing calls for a registration scheme for short stay holiday lets while the town’s main hoteliers group StayBlackpool would like to see a licensing scheme adopted.

Ian White, a director of StayBlackpool, said: “Combined with the news of this appeal and Westminster taking for ever to decide the future of a license/registration scheme for the short stay accommodation sector, the argument for Blackpool to go it alone with its own “License to Trade” based on the Blackpool Approved scheme is louder than ever.

“There may need to be slight modifications to take on safeguarding concerns of unmanned/remotely managed accommodation.”

A recent scrutiny carried out by members of the council’s tourism, economy and communities committee recommended the council uses its planning and enforcement powers to control the spread of such accommodation.

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