2. Local homes for local people

There should be a new compulsory planning requirement for ‘change of use’ consent for second homes and holiday lets, to control the loss of housing stock. All new housing in rural areas should be truly affordable, and suited to the needs of local people.

Without controls on conversion of existing properties from main to second homes, there is no way of ensuring an adequate supply of homes for local people in visitor areas. The recently-introduced holiday let restriction doesn’t go far enough, as it’s only optional for councils to implement.

Once a community reaches 20% second home ownership, its sustainability and its services start to decline. 73% of parishes in the Lake District exceed 20% second home ownership, seriously affecting their viability. Many villages no longer have shops, schools, pubs or bus services.