York- holiday let in Clifton street refused permission

City of York Council planning officers refused the application to change the use of a house in Compton Street, Clifton, so part of it could be rented out to tourists.

Applicants stated the changes would bring benefits to businesses in the area and the existing character and appearance of the street would be preserved.

But a neighbour and Labour Clifton ward councillor Danny Myers objected claiming approving another holiday let on top of the 13 already nearby would further deplete the supply of housing.

Council planning officers ruled the mixed residential and holiday let use could result in a material harm to nearby residents due to the comings and goings of a high turnover of guests.

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Plans for the change of use stated the property would be managed for short stays but the owners were also applying for permission to rent it out for longer periods.

They added clear rules would be in place for guests including not being allowed to hold parties or events and being required to check in and out by certain times.

Plans stated: “The reuse of an existing building for visitor accommodation supports sustainable tourism and the efficient use of existing housing.

“The use will be carefully managed to protect neighbouring amenity.”

31 Compton Street, in Clifton, York (Image: Google Maps)

But the neighbouring objector claimed adding more holiday lets to the area would erode its community atmosphere.

A council report on the objection stated: “There are concerns that the high turnover of guests will lead to increased noise, late-night disturbances, and disruption of the quiet nature of these residential streets.”

Clifton’s Cllr Myers said he was concerned about how the owners would manage potential antisocial behaviour and noise.

The ward councillor said: “In my experience, these assurances have never proven fruitful, details are not usually provided to local residents, and instances of anti-social behaviour by nuisance holidaymakers are put up with by residents and then have to be followed up after they have occurred.”