Efforts to limit holiday lets and second homes in the Yorkshire Dales National Park are drawing mixed reactions, with landlords voicing concerns over potential impacts on their investments. The Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority (YDNPA) is pushing forward proposals that aim to prevent newly constructed homes from being used as short-term lets or second homes. This move comes as the park battles an ongoing population decline and seeks to preserve its unique rural community.
21% of homes no longer primary residences
Currently, 21% of the 13,000 homes within the national park are categorised as second homes, short-term lets, or left unoccupied. The YDNPA believes this trend is a key factor in the declining population, which stands at approximately 24,000 and is predicted to shrink by 9% over the next 15 years. To combat this, the authority has proposed the development of 369 homes by 2040, specifically designated as “principal residences” to ensure they are occupied by people living and working in the area.
However, the proposed restriction only applies to new-build properties. A consultation document from the authority states, “Since the occupancy of the existing stock cannot currently be influenced by local planning policy, any additional need will have to be met through the construction of new ones.” This loophole means that the thousands of existing homes used as holiday lets or left vacant remain unaffected by the proposed changes.
Landlords argue rules unfairly target their investments
Landlords and property investors have criticised the plans, claiming they unfairly single out those providing much-needed holiday accommodation in the region. Speaking to local media, one landlord explained, “Tourism is the backbone of the Yorkshire Dales economy. Restricting holiday lets risks cutting off a vital revenue stream that supports local businesses and jobs.”
Another challenge highlighted by landlords is the potential devaluation of new-build homes subject to occupancy restrictions. Without the flexibility to rent them out, these properties could become less appealing to investors, further limiting much-needed housing supply in the area.
Meanwhile, the YDNPA has stopped short of requiring buyers to prove they live or work in the national park, which some argue weakens the effectiveness of the proposed measures. Local resident Stuart Little expressed his dismay over the scale of the plans, telling the BBC, “In my village of Threshfield, the new homes would mean a 50% increase in housing. It’s completely out of proportion and risks destroying the very character of the Dales.”
Balancing preservation with practicality
Landlords argue that the proposals overlook the financial contributions they make to the region’s economy. Many property owners claim they play a vital role in maintaining rural communities by attracting tourists, who spend money at local shops, cafes, and attractions. “If the focus is on population retention, why not offer incentives for young families to move here rather than penalising landlords?” asked one frustrated investor.
As the YDNPA’s consultation continues, questions linger about the long-term implications for both residents and landlords. Will these measures effectively address the population crisis, or will they push away much-needed property investment? For landlords, the challenge is clear: finding a way to work with local authorities without compromising their businesses or the region’s thriving tourism industry.
