Chapter 9 - Meeting Housing Needs

Second Homes

In recent years there has been growth in demand for second homes in the Region’s most scenic areas. At a strategic level this raises two main concerns:

• the increase could prejudice the availability of affordable housing for local people in areas under pressure, with adverse effect on local communities; and
• the identity, character and setting of a small town or village could be gradually and detrimentally changed by inappropriate second home developments.

There are limitations on the ability of the land use planning system to regulate the growth of second homes. The planning system has no control over the buying and selling of either existing or new homes.

Moreover, it is not possible to distinguish, in planning terms, between housing or apartment developments that may be for second home use or permanent occupation.

HOU 6.4 Identify in development plans, settlements and areas under pressure from second home development:

• develop a set of criteria by which the capacity of a small town or village to absorb new second home development can be evaluated in consultation, through the development plan process, with local residents, taking account of such matters as scale, character and setting; and
• consider if local planning policies are required, and assess if there is a need for an exceptional housing land response to ensure a local supply of affordable housing.