An Isle of Man village has become the latest authority to clamp down on the growth in short-term lets.

Port Erin commissioner Hannah Mackenzie tells Manx Radio that she will continue to object to planning applications for new tourist accommodation in the town, as “homes need to be lived in”.

She doesn’t want the village to become dormant and wants to see young families and professionals prioritised for empty properties, to help rebuild communities.

Vacant properties

“Island-wide there’s a place for tourists, but at the last census there were more vacant properties than ever - I want to see a swing before it’s too late,” says Mackenzie. “By supporting applications to have extra tourist accommodation, we’re discouraging our community base.”

She wants to encourage the MHKs (MPs) to look at the levers available to reform the rating system and help island residents have homes, creating a fairer system for all.

First objection

Adds Mackenzie: “Until last meeting we have supported most applications to have additional tourist use put on properties - this is the first objection to change of use that we as a board have voted for. While there’s a waiting list for locals to access accommodation on our island, I will continue to ask that the board object to allow more tourist use properties within the village.”

The Isle of Man Government says it is actively addressing issues with empty properties and has set out plans for the creation of a Local Economy Fund to be accessible to local authorities and trader groups, to enable them to champion a local-first approach to support improvements within their respective towns.

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