AirBnB and VRBO use - known in planning as short term lets - are becoming more of an issue across the country for local planning authorities. They may need planning permission, and Councils are increasingly taking enforcement action. In some parts of London they are a considerable amount of the housing stock, as reported here.

A scheme for 50 houses was refused unanimously by a Planning Committee in Cornwall, but was allowed at appeal by the Inspector. This demonstrates the importance of showing a robust and persuasive case at the appeal stage by all parties.

One of town planning's favourite cases has another twist. Back in 1986 the owner of a terrace house in Oxford inserted a fibre-glass shark through the roof. This was refused permission by the Council, but kept after an appeal. Unfortunately for the current owner they recently turned it into a short term let (Airbnb), and lost an appeal against that use. So, whilst the shark will remain, you can't stay there anymore.

An applicant who got permission for a new house has ended up in difficulties with the planning authority who have found the original plans were not accurate in showing the effect on the neighbour. A drawn-out process is now needed to resolve this, with the possibility of demolition.

The new Government has announced as part of their push for houses to be built the creation of a New Towns Taskforce. The members of the team are looking for locations for large new settlements, and will report back to the Government in 2025.

A stand off between developers and the Council in trying to secure new housing in a village, but also to provide the required affordable housing as part of that, seems to have stalled any houses at all. A demonstration of the complexities of planning, and how delays can impact on delivery.

Permitted development rights allow householders and businesses to undertake works without needing a grant of planning permission from their local Council. The Government has widened these rights over the years, and they have recently announced intentions to widen these again: ideas include larger and taller rear extensions, removing limits on roof extensions, and increasing the ability for more outbuildings in gardens.

The lack of housing supply can be important in determining whether an appeal is successful: if there is a shortfall, there is a presumption in favour of sustainable development. A potential housing site that had been considered for development for many years in Surrey finally got the approval at appeal, partly on the basis of the need for housing.

Good design is sought by planning policy, which partly led to a dismissed appeal in Kent on the grounds of 'generic' design in an AONB. But that decision is now being challenged in the Courts by Berkeley Homes