Eryri National Park asserts its new second homes policy is fair and not discriminatory towards English residents
Gwynedd: Eryri National Park is standing firm on its new second homes policy. They say it’s not discriminatory against English folks, despite some backlash.
Recently, the park’s authority decided that anyone wanting to turn a property into a second home will need planning permission. This is a big deal since it now applies to the entire national park area.
Before this, Gwynedd Council had already put similar rules in place. Now, it’s all about making sure the park’s beautiful areas aren’t overrun by second homes.
They even consulted the public about this change. Some people felt the policy was “incredibly racist,” claiming it targeted English buyers. But the park authority disagrees, saying it treats everyone the same.
They emphasized that the rules affect both Welsh and English people equally. The authority believes this process is fair and follows the law properly.
This move comes as the Welsh government is cracking down on second home ownership. They’ve allowed councils to hike up council tax on second homes by as much as 300%!
While councils can decide how high to set this premium, it’s led to more houses hitting the market in some areas of Wales. The government’s goal is to ensure locals have access to affordable housing.
Back in 2021, a former climate change minister pointed out that too many second homes can really hurt small communities. So, this policy change is seen as a step in the right direction.
Campaign group Cymdeithas yr Iaith, which supports the Welsh language, has welcomed the new policy. They see it as a crucial first step in limiting second homes and holiday rentals in Eryri.
