Rural homes reform plea

6:32pm Tuesday 4th March 2008

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CHIEFS from the North York Moors National Park have today put their backing behind Government proposals to impose drastic curbs on second home ownership that would stop people buying in sought-after rural areas.

An inquiry commissioned by the Prime Minister will recommend giving local authorities the power to prevent outsiders buying property they do not intend to make their main residence. Those seeking to buy country boltholes that deprive local residents of houses would be forced to apply to the council.

They would have to win planning permission to change the house from fully occupied to a second home. This application could be refused by the council. The inquiry is also considering banning outsiders from buying newly-built homes in such areas.

The scheme could be piloted in areas badly hit by second home ownership, including the national parks in North Yorkshire.

Rachel McIntosh, communications officer for the North York Moors National Park Authority, said any plans that would help first-time local buyers would be good for the area.

She said: "While we do not know the full details of the inquiry, we do support any notion that would help local people who are finding it increasingly difficult to be able to afford houses in the national park.

"Anything that would help alleviate this pressure is clearly a good thing."

The latest call comes after Dr Stuart Burgess, chairman of the Commission For Rural Communities, said council tax from second homes should be set aside and spent entirely on affordable housing.

"The move would help communities where prices have shot up and villages where properties are left empty for long periods," said Dr Burgess.

"Lack of affordable homes remains the biggest issue for rural people."

His council tax proposals aim to remedy the situation where revenue goes into a council's general coffers and can be spent on anything. Dr Burgess said Gordon Brown should scrap a reduction in capital gains tax which is due to come into force next month. The tax cut means that owners of second homes will be able to keep more of their profits when they sell the property. Mr Burgess believes that the move will lead to a frenzy of speculation in some of the most picturesque areas of England and make it even more difficult for first-time buyers to get on to the property ladder.