Firm bids for holiday lets in village, but planners don't like it

AN Airbnb proposal for a block of flats in an Eryri tourism hotspot looks set to be rejected.

- By OWEN HUGHES

Peter Rowe, from PLP Estates, put in an application for Compton House on Llanberis High Street.

The company wants to turn the block from five long-term rental flats to five holiday lets which would be promoted online on sites such as Airbnb and Booking.com.

But any changes of use like this now need to be approved by Cyngor Gwynedd after the council adopted the new Article 4 planning rule.

This gives the local authority more powers on the creation of holiday lets or second homes, with planning permission now needed.

It was brought in over concern about the rise in the number of holiday properties in certain communities, although it is fiercely opposed by some over fears about the impact on house prices and the tourism sector.

The applicant said the proposal would be a high-quality development which would bring the building back into use thus benefiting the economy.