This new law, designed to address what the housing secretary describes as a “hollowing out” of communities, would require people letting out their property as a short-term holiday home to seek permission from the local authority under a new “use” category (it would not be applicable to people renting out their main home for 90 days or less in a year).

A mandatory national register would be set up providing councils with information on short-term lets in their area and the changes will ensure people have more control over housing in their cherished communities.

Tourism minister Julia Lopez commented: “Short-term lets provide flexibility for homeowners and give tourists more accommodation options than ever before, but this should not prevent local people from being able to buy or rent homes in their area."

“The government is committed to getting the balance right to ensure both local people and our visitor economy can thrive" and Airbnb has welcomed the proposed new rules:

Amanda Cupples, general manager for Northern Europe, Airbnb, commented: “The introduction of a short-term lets register is good news for everyone. Families who Host on Airbnb will benefit from clear rules that support their activity, and local authorities will get access to the information they need to assess and manage housing impacts and keep communities healthy, where necessary."

The government also intends to introduce associated permitted development rights – one allowing for a property to be changed from a short-term let to a standard residential dwelling, and a second that would allow a property to be changed to a short-term let. Local authorities would be able to remove these permissions and require full planning permission if they deem it necessary.

Both of these measures are focussed on short-term lets, and therefore the planning changes and the register will not affect hotels, hostels or B&Bs.