Latest news with #SCATHINGPEN
Wales Online
2 days ago
- Business
- Wales Online
Second homes and holiday lets curb slammed as a 'big brother' move
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info North Wales Live readers are concerned to hear that planning chiefs have stated that new restrictions on second homes and holiday lets in Eryri will grant "more control" over local housing stock. Data reveals nearly half the homes in one village are second homes. A new Article 4 Direction within the Eryri National Park as of June 1, 2025, has curtailed rights concerning the conversion of primary residences to second homes or short-term holiday lets, including certain mixed uses. This move also affects the change of use between second homes and holiday lets. Following this, the planning and access committee of Eryri National Park has endorsed proposals regarding its Draft Supplementary Planning Guidance (SPG), which aims to regulate the usage of dwellings as holiday homes. The SPG establishes an annual review process to determine a threshold percentage for allowable properties, with 15% being deemed an "appropriate" limit for the number of holiday or second homes in specific locales. Across Eryri, the current rate is 17.4%, but setting a 15% cap for individual areas aligns with policy frameworks of other authorities. Statistics indicate the proportion of second homes and short-term lets across community council regions, with Aberdyfi topping the list at 45%. Cllr Elwyn Jones queried the rise and fall of figures in areas, and asked if there would be a review. Director of Planning and Partnerships Keira Sweenie said a review in a year would be "very sensible". She said: "Whatever percentage we agree today, nobody knows what the impact of the guidance will be. What is important is that we are in a better situation than before Article 4, because, at least now we have some level of control." Commenter Morpick says: 'Sadly shades of a 'Big Brother' state that will have zero impact on the availability of affordable homes. Just takes attention away from the council and their lack of priority given to the provision of such accommodation for generations.' BarnettFormulaSpongers replies: 'The problem is lack of jobs. On average property in North Wales is very cheap.' Llanpeter agrees: 'I think that's the point: the problem is jobs and the income that comes with them. The rest is a consequence, whether it's housing, poverty, lack of opportunity or whatever. SCATHINGPEN adds: 'Control of housing is control of a major asset, control of income and ultimately, control of someone's money. This argument about the housing crisis caused by holiday lets second homes is a false flag. It has been from the start. There are plenty of homes that are cheap enough to be affordable for locals, if employed.' Truebrit thinks: 'All those houses have been sold to outsiders by locals to get a higher price for them, so who is most at fault the locals selling out their neighbours or the outsiders buying a house put up for sale on the open market? If all the houses were owned by locals how would they make a living as there's very little local employment, the hard fact is Wales needs tourism to survive.' Indigodebz adds: 'I'd love to know how many of these second homes were built as second homes in the first place. So many wealthy Victorian and Edwardian businessmen built homes in North Wales towns and villages. Some brand new towns. Subsequent generations have developed and maintained them employing local tradespeople. We have some fabulous restaurants and retail shops that depend on wealthy visitors.' Tomosb81 points out: 'Basic economics means that if you take an asset (a primary home) and impose a massive selling restriction on it (can only be sold as a primary home), then the value of that asset will fall. Note, that the smoke and mirrors that continue to be deployed mean that many people still think this primarily affects second home owners. Of course, as a secondary impact, all house values including second homes and holiday homes will be hit due to everyone losing confidence in the governance of Gwynedd and Eryri. But even if in the short-term that means second homes are sold for reduced prices, they will most likely just be bought by other second home owners. "The only primary home owners who may be unaffected by this are those who never intend to leave Gwynedd/Eryri. They continue to say "we need house prices to crash". But it is incredibly selfish to everyone else who may need at some point to sell their home to move away for a multitude of reasons, or to fund care home fees, etc.' Glueman53 complains: 'The government under-funds councils and then gives them the right to introduce a punitive tax on people's investments. They will find to their cost that second homes will inject more income into the local economy than any local resident. Affordability is nothing new, I wanted to live in London but got priced out, so I moved out.' Do you think the Article 4 direction will free up homes for locals? Have your say in our comments section.
North Wales Live
2 days ago
- Business
- North Wales Live
Second homes and holiday lets curb slammed as a 'big brother' move
North Wales Live readers are concerned to hear that planning chiefs have stated that new restrictions on second homes and holiday lets in Eryri will grant "more control" over local housing stock. Data reveals nearly half the homes in one village are second homes. A new Article 4 Direction within the Eryri National Park as of June 1, 2025, has curtailed rights concerning the conversion of primary residences to second homes or short-term holiday lets, including certain mixed uses. This move also affects the change of use between second homes and holiday lets. Following this, the planning and access committee of Eryri National Park has endorsed proposals regarding its Draft Supplementary Planning Guidance (SPG), which aims to regulate the usage of dwellings as holiday homes. The SPG establishes an annual review process to determine a threshold percentage for allowable properties, with 15% being deemed an "appropriate" limit for the number of holiday or second homes in specific locales. Across Eryri, the current rate is 17.4%, but setting a 15% cap for individual areas aligns with policy frameworks of other authorities. Statistics indicate the proportion of second homes and short-term lets across community council regions, with Aberdyfi topping the list at 45%. Cllr Elwyn Jones queried the rise and fall of figures in areas, and asked if there would be a review. Director of Planning and Partnerships Keira Sweenie said a review in a year would be "very sensible". She said: "Whatever percentage we agree today, nobody knows what the impact of the guidance will be. What is important is that we are in a better situation than before Article 4, because, at least now we have some level of control." Commenter Morpick says: 'Sadly shades of a 'Big Brother' state that will have zero impact on the availability of affordable homes. Just takes attention away from the council and their lack of priority given to the provision of such accommodation for generations.' BarnettFormulaSpongers replies: 'The problem is lack of jobs. On average property in North Wales is very cheap.' Llanpeter agrees: 'I think that's the point: the problem is jobs and the income that comes with them. The rest is a consequence, whether it's housing, poverty, lack of opportunity or whatever. SCATHINGPEN adds: 'Control of housing is control of a major asset, control of income and ultimately, control of someone's money. This argument about the housing crisis caused by holiday lets second homes is a false flag. It has been from the start. There are plenty of homes that are cheap enough to be affordable for locals, if employed.' Truebrit thinks: 'All those houses have been sold to outsiders by locals to get a higher price for them, so who is most at fault the locals selling out their neighbours or the outsiders buying a house put up for sale on the open market? If all the houses were owned by locals how would they make a living as there's very little local employment, the hard fact is Wales needs tourism to survive.' Indigodebz adds: 'I'd love to know how many of these second homes were built as second homes in the first place. So many wealthy Victorian and Edwardian businessmen built homes in North Wales towns and villages. Some brand new towns. Subsequent generations have developed and maintained them employing local tradespeople. We have some fabulous restaurants and retail shops that depend on wealthy visitors.' Tomosb81 points out: 'Basic economics means that if you take an asset (a primary home) and impose a massive selling restriction on it (can only be sold as a primary home), then the value of that asset will fall. Note, that the smoke and mirrors that continue to be deployed mean that many people still think this primarily affects second home owners. Of course, as a secondary impact, all house values including second homes and holiday homes will be hit due to everyone losing confidence in the governance of Gwynedd and Eryri. But even if in the short-term that means second homes are sold for reduced prices, they will most likely just be bought by other second home owners. "The only primary home owners who may be unaffected by this are those who never intend to leave Gwynedd/Eryri. They continue to say "we need house prices to crash". But it is incredibly selfish to everyone else who may need at some point to sell their home to move away for a multitude of reasons, or to fund care home fees, etc.' Glueman53 complains: 'The government under-funds councils and then gives them the right to introduce a punitive tax on people's investments. They will find to their cost that second homes will inject more income into the local economy than any local resident. Affordability is nothing new, I wanted to live in London but got priced out, so I moved out.'
Wales Online
27-05-2025
- Automotive
- Wales Online
'Not taking advantage' claim amid parking concerns near iconic Anglesey beach
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info North Wales Live readers have been engaged in a lively discussion about the recent influx of visitors to Llanddwyn beach and Newborough forest, with parking issues taking centre stage. The council has issued a stern warning that fines will be imposed on vehicles parked on grass verges near the renowned beach, a decision that has caused concern. Llanddwyn beach and Newborough forest have long been favoured destinations, but in recent years they've seen an overwhelming number of visitors. This surge has caused problems for locals and raised environmental concerns. Parking has emerged as a significant issue, with the pay-and-display car park near the beach often reaching capacity early in the day, leaving visitors scrambling to find alternative spots. This includes areas along the A4080 between Newborough and Malltraeth, where even double yellow lines often fail to deter determined drivers. The past bank holiday was anticipated to attract droves of visitors to the area, great for local businesses but a potential source of irritation for many residents. One reader, Beano3110 writes: "The beach and Forrest have been there forever. People have been visiting it for as long as I can remember, and been charged for driving through the Forrest and parking in the beach car park. The population is growing and folks have a right to enjoy this wonderful country. So why are we angry at the people who come for a day out and spend there money in Anglesey? "Where have all the parking fees gone. That's the issue. Why isn't there adequate parking and a road in and road out system in place. The authorities know how many visitors to expect by the amount of tickets sold. Perhaps anger should be levelled towards Anglesey council and the forestry commission, followed by a full independent audit of where the monies are being spent. And maybe the Welsh government could step in and enforce a system on the governing bodies." Monman3 adds: "We are not taking advantage of this success. Our roads are years old with no plans for improving them let alone repairing them due to wear and tear. Other than the out of date A55 there have been no new roads of note in Anglesey or Gwynedd bar the Caernarfon bypass. Even the large sign in Llangefni as you enter the town has not been repaired. It was damaged weeks ago. The councils have no budget for repairs." SCATHINGPEN says: "From the picture featured at the heading of the article, I see cars parked on grass verges. They are not on the road. They are not causing an obstruction. So why are locals labelling them Dangerous? Here's an idea Why not put, actual parking places on the grass verges. Make the relevant charges, after all, nothing should be free these days. Eventually, use the money to buy a large plot of land to build a secondary car park. Or is it better to keep complaining in the hope that no visitors will come at all?" Alwyn67 writes: "The one and only parking fine I've ever received was after a night drinking in Menai Bridge. I arrived 5 mins late (no parking after 9am) and the warden had got me. When paid straight away, it was 25 pounds. Given the main car park is now 15 pounds per day, it's not massively more expensive to park illegally and just accept the fine! The council needs to up the fine to something around £50-£100, if they are allowed- I think legally they're not allowed to?" AERobertson says: "If there are double yellow lines, then this means that parking is prohibited on the verge as well as on the road. So go ahead Anglesey Council and ticket them. Putting boulders would prevent parking but it would also make verge maintenance more time consuming." Pay1233 remarks: "Do as they've done in Colwyn Bay, alter where, they are parking, on the side off the road, And install parking meters, Wind, wind deal, local trades don't lose out, Tourists enjoy beach, and local council make money to invest in the community." Followthehat says: "The cars are all parked off the road. The double yellow lines only prohibit parking on the road, not beyond it. If there is to be no parking on the verges there should be a sign erected to prevent it. These vehicles are not breaking any law and the drivers should not be prosecuted." Ofcourseitis writes: " I'm thinking that the best option now in order to avoid £15 a day parking charges or a parking fine, is for visitors to park in the village and walk down to the beach, job done!" Do you think that visitors are in the wrong or just out to enjoy themselves at the beach/forest? Comment below or HERE to join in the conversation.
North Wales Live
27-05-2025
- Automotive
- North Wales Live
'Not taking advantage' claim amid parking concerns near iconic Anglesey beach
North Wales Live readers have been engaged in a lively discussion about the recent influx of visitors to Llanddwyn beach and Newborough forest, with parking issues taking centre stage. The council has issued a stern warning that fines will be imposed on vehicles parked on grass verges near the renowned beach, a decision that has caused concern. Llanddwyn beach and Newborough forest have long been favoured destinations, but in recent years they've seen an overwhelming number of visitors. This surge has caused problems for locals and raised environmental concerns. Parking has emerged as a significant issue, with the pay-and-display car park near the beach often reaching capacity early in the day, leaving visitors scrambling to find alternative spots. This includes areas along the A4080 between Newborough and Malltraeth, where even double yellow lines often fail to deter determined drivers. The past bank holiday was anticipated to attract droves of visitors to the area, great for local businesses but a potential source of irritation for many residents. One reader, Beano3110 writes: "The beach and Forrest have been there forever. People have been visiting it for as long as I can remember, and been charged for driving through the Forrest and parking in the beach car park. The population is growing and folks have a right to enjoy this wonderful country. So why are we angry at the people who come for a day out and spend there money in Anglesey? "Where have all the parking fees gone. That's the issue. Why isn't there adequate parking and a road in and road out system in place. The authorities know how many visitors to expect by the amount of tickets sold. Perhaps anger should be levelled towards Anglesey council and the forestry commission, followed by a full independent audit of where the monies are being spent. And maybe the Welsh government could step in and enforce a system on the governing bodies." Monman3 adds: "We are not taking advantage of this success. Our roads are years old with no plans for improving them let alone repairing them due to wear and tear. Other than the out of date A55 there have been no new roads of note in Anglesey or Gwynedd bar the Caernarfon bypass. Even the large sign in Llangefni as you enter the town has not been repaired. It was damaged weeks ago. The councils have no budget for repairs." SCATHINGPEN says: "From the picture featured at the heading of the article, I see cars parked on grass verges. They are not on the road. They are not causing an obstruction. So why are locals labelling them Dangerous? Here's an idea Why not put, actual parking places on the grass verges. Make the relevant charges, after all, nothing should be free these days. Eventually, use the money to buy a large plot of land to build a secondary car park. Or is it better to keep complaining in the hope that no visitors will come at all?" Alwyn67 writes: "The one and only parking fine I've ever received was after a night drinking in Menai Bridge. I arrived 5 mins late (no parking after 9am) and the warden had got me. When paid straight away, it was 25 pounds. Given the main car park is now 15 pounds per day, it's not massively more expensive to park illegally and just accept the fine! The council needs to up the fine to something around £50-£100, if they are allowed- I think legally they're not allowed to?" AERobertson says: "If there are double yellow lines, then this means that parking is prohibited on the verge as well as on the road. So go ahead Anglesey Council and ticket them. Putting boulders would prevent parking but it would also make verge maintenance more time consuming." Pay1233 remarks: "Do as they've done in Colwyn Bay, alter where, they are parking, on the side off the road, And install parking meters, Wind, wind deal, local trades don't lose out, Tourists enjoy beach, and local council make money to invest in the community." Followthehat says: "The cars are all parked off the road. The double yellow lines only prohibit parking on the road, not beyond it. If there is to be no parking on the verges there should be a sign erected to prevent it. These vehicles are not breaking any law and the drivers should not be prosecuted." Ofcourseitis writes: " I'm thinking that the best option now in order to avoid £15 a day parking charges or a parking fine, is for visitors to park in the village and walk down to the beach, job done!"
