A Senedd petition demanding more powers to control so-called 'party houses' in Welsh villages has attracted more than 1,500 signatures. The petition, launched by Brynford and Halkyn councillor Fran Lister, follows numerous complaints from residents, with one stating they 'no longer feel comfortable' in their own home.
Petition aims to close legislative gap
The petition calls on the Welsh Government to introduce stronger licensing powers for high-capacity visitor accommodation across Wales. It specifically requests enhanced licensing arrangements for properties housing more than 10 guests, enabling councils to set conditions in advance regarding noise management, outdoor entertainment spaces, designated responsible managers, and measures for repeated serious disturbance.
Cllr Lister, a Liberal Democrat, and her fellow ward councillor Simon Jones of Labour are spearheading the campaign after complaints from residents in their area about one such property in the otherwise quiet village of Halkyn. Having raised the matter at Flintshire County Council, they discovered many councillors had encountered similar disturbances in their wards.
Large historic buildings converted to holiday lets
The issue stems from large historic buildings, such as former schoolhouses or chapels, being bought and refurbished to become holiday rentals or Airbnb-type accommodation sleeping 10 or more guests. Some of these properties include entertainment rooms, bars, outdoor social spaces, professional sound and lighting systems, and facilities designed for large groups, operating more like private venues than traditional holiday cottages.
'There is excellent tourism accommodation in Brynford and Halkyn, where operators act responsibly and contribute positively to the local economy,' Cllr Lister said. 'The actions requested by this petition would not affect the vast majority of holiday accommodation. This petition is about large properties marketed for high-occupancy group stays, corporate events and celebrations, where the impact on nearby residents can be very different from a traditional holiday let.'
Residents describe impact on daily lives
One Flintshire resident affected by such a property, who requested anonymity, described the petition as an opportunity to safeguard others. 'The impact this holiday let near us has had on our daily lives, and the invasion of our privacy, is something we would never wish on anyone. Our aim now is to help ensure that stronger legislation is introduced to properly regulate these types of 'party houses'. No one should have to go through what we are going through just to feel safe and comfortable in their own home. This could happen to anyone and we want to help protect other families in the future.'
Councillors seek clearer licensing powers
Cllr Lister emphasised that residents should not have to endure repeated noise and disturbance before stronger safeguards can be considered. 'Councils need clearer licensing powers so conditions can be set in advance, rather than communities being left to deal with the impact after problems have already occurred. This is a live and emotive issue in my ward, but unless this legislative gap is closed, it could affect communities anywhere in Wales.'
Cllr Jones added: 'Many residents will have heard about high-occupancy holiday lets and the impact they have on neighbours and the community. Proper licensing would give councils clearer powers to protect residents while allowing responsible holiday accommodation to continue operating.'
