A local authority in a tourist hotspot claims that local landlords have “overwhelmingly” backed a move to clampdown on Airbnbs and other short lets.

North Devon council says more than 85 per cent of landlords, housing charities and estate agents who took part in a consultation agreed with a change in policy for HMOs.

However, the council admits that only 124 people in total actually backed the proposal, reflecting a small uptake in response to the consultation.

The council proposes to stop HMOs being used for mixed accommodation – permanent accommodation and short lets – claiming such a mix would be “inappropriate and problematic.”

Those who disagreed raised concerns over how the policy would be enforced and said landlords should be able to choose how they used their homes.

You can see a local news service report on the council discussion here.