What action it plans to take to address concerns raised by the self-catering sector regarding the interaction between short-term let licens…

Whether or not a self-catering accommodation business is viable is not relevant to the requirement for any business to comply with any regulation requirements. Licensing focuses on the safety and suitability of the accommodation and the host to operate a short-term let. Planning is concerned with the use of land and wider impacts on amenity and communities, considering issues such as the effect on neighbours, housing supply, and the character of an area.The short-term let licensing regime requires compliance with other regulatory regimes such as fire, gas and electrical safety. Therefore while planning is also a separate regime with a different remit, it is not unique for planning to be linked to licensing in this way. It ensures short-term lets comply with all relevant conditions and requirements to operate and reduces the burden on local authorities that would otherwise be granting licences when they are aware of planning restrictions preventing the property being used as a short-term let.Under existing planning law, planning permission is required for any material change of use to short-term letting. Operating without planning permission, where required, is a breach of planning control and planning authorities can take enforcement action. Under licensing legislation, authorities may refuse to consider new licensing applications if they believe there is a breach of planning control, which could prevent the lawful use of a property as a short-term let regardless of whether a licence was issued. In control areas, to obtain a licence, hosts must have obtained planning consent, or applied for it, if required under planning law.