Bournemouth Locals Decry Holiday Let Disruption in Seaside Community
Residents living near Southbourne Beach in Bournemouth, Dorset, are raising alarm over the proliferation of holiday lets and Airbnbs, which they claim are destroying the family-friendly atmosphere of their idyllic seaside neighbourhood. Locals report persistent issues with noisy guests, particularly those using hot tubs until 4am, alongside significant parking problems that disrupt daily life.
Proposed Development Sparks Further Concerns
The community's worries have intensified with a planning application from Burry and Knight Ltd, part of the Hoburne Holidays Group. The developer seeks to demolish a dilapidated bungalow and an adjacent two-storey block of flats, replacing them with three four-bedroom detached houses and two three-bedroom semi-detached homes on a sought-after street close to the beach.
Local council officials have received thirteen formal objections to the proposal. Residents fear the new properties could be used as short-term holiday lets, exacerbating existing disturbances. Concerns cited include loss of light and privacy, overdevelopment of the plot, and a potential precedent for more holiday accommodation in the area.
Resident Voices Highlight Growing Frustration
Rita Gray, who lives opposite the proposed site, warned that holiday lets would 'impact our quality of life', citing 'unsociable hours' and excessive parking from guests. Neighbour Sally Clark echoed these sentiments, stating: 'There are lots of Airbnbs in this area already. It's the noise disturbance, people staying there just don't care, they will be in the hot tubs at 4am.'
Chris Evans, residing next door to the development site, expressed anxiety over light and privacy impacts, adding: 'I am concerned that the developers are in the holiday accommodation business and may plan to use these properties for short-term lets or even Airbnb type of accommodation.'
Morten Roepstorff highlighted broader community risks, noting that unchecked short-term letting can deplete family homes, reduce demand for local services like schools and shops, and ultimately destroy thriving seaside villages.
Calls for Planning Restrictions
Many objectors are urging BCP Council to impose conditions preventing the new homes from being used as holiday lets if permission is granted. Adrian Chilcott suggested a stipulation that the houses 'are not to be used for second homes, holiday lets or Airbnb.' Sally Maidment agreed, arguing such restrictions would 'help to maintain the sense of community for permanent residents.'
Betty Drinkwater, whose bungalow is behind the site, lamented the potential loss of outlook, privacy, and sunlight, while Jack Taylor called for priority to be given to 'protecting the family feel of the area' and stopping a 'dangerous precedent' for holiday lets.
Developer's Response and Next Steps
Planning consultant Jonathan Leigh, representing the developer, argued that the existing uninhabited buildings make 'inefficient use' of the plot and do not contribute positively to the area. He claimed the plans are 'fully compliant and appropriate for redevelopment of this location', having addressed concerns raised by the planning inspector.
A decision from BCP Council planning officers is anticipated in the near future, with residents anxiously awaiting the outcome that could shape the future character of their community.
