Short-Term Lets Consultation: Have Your Say on City's Future Housing

A significant public consultation has been launched, inviting residents to have their say on draft planning guidance for short-term lets in Belfast. This includes various types of short-term accommodation, such as serviced apartments, apart-hotels, self-catering flats, and holiday rentals.

The proposed supplementary planning guidance aims to provide clear advice for developers, landowners, and planning agents on how planning applications for short-term let developments – whether new builds or changes of use for existing buildings – will be assessed. It will highlight key planning considerations and outline the council's approach to relevant planning policy, ensuring proposals align with the existing planning framework.

While short-term lets can boost Belfast's tourism economy and offer visitors more accommodation choices, they also serve other purposes, providing temporary housing for workers or those with short-term residential needs. However, the rise in popularity and concentration of such accommodation can raise important questions for our communities.

Concerns often include the availability of residential and affordable homes for local people to buy or rent, and the potential impact on neighbourhood character and community cohesion. This consultation is a vital opportunity to discuss these issues and ensure a balanced approach that supports our local economy while protecting the homes and communities we cherish.

How to Participate:

Your input is incredibly valuable! Residents are strongly encouraged to review the draft guidance and submit their feedback. You can view the full document online at www./LDP and https://ow.ly/G0xL50ZEH4z, or in person at the Cecil Ward Building, 4-10 Linenhall Street, city centre, during normal business hours.

Submissions can be sent via email to [email protected] or by post to Belfast Planning Service at the Cecil Ward Building in Linenhall Street. You can also access the consultation and have your say directly through the Your Say platform at https://yoursay./

The public consultation runs for 12 weeks, concluding on Monday, November 16th. This is a chance for North Belfast residents to contribute to important decisions about housing and community development across the city. Don't miss your opportunity to help shape the future of our neighbourhoods.