New research from Rye and District Chamber of Commerce suggests there could be over 500 Airbnbs in Rye and Camber - more than twice the number officially registered for business rates.
The scale of holiday lets was analysed by the Chamber using data from its members, online travel agents, local booking agents, Rye's estate agents and the Valuation Office Agency.
The new information was shown to a Rother District Council committee examining the extent of the issue and possible solutions on Monday February 17. During an hour long presentation RDC's Airbnb Task and Finish Working Group heard getting an exact number of holiday lets is almost impossible because of the different ways the sector is regulated.
Sarah Broadbent, vice-chair of Rye Chamber of Commerce says there's a lack of hard data. "Many properties are run as businesses, registered for business rates and are fully compliant without necessarily being used for second homes at all. Others may also be
fully compliant with rules and regulations but used by owners as a second home when not filled with paying guests. The ‘grey area’ is solo holiday let owners who may have up to five properties on Airbnb at very low commission rates and may not be compliant with safety regulations, public liability, or waste management regulations."
She urged the working party to proceed with caution. "The available data isn’t clear cut and unless further work is done to drill down on the numbers then it’s unfeasible to consider what moves could be made by the local authority that might affect positive change without risking the economy of the town. In short – the Chamber argue – be careful what you wish for."
You can read more about the Chamber's research here
The Task and Finish Group is now asking for local people's opinions on Airbnbs and holiday lets in Rye, Winchelsea and Camber in an online consultation. Click here to take part.
Monday's Rye Town Council meeting voted that Anthony Kimber, the co-ordinator of the Rye Neighbourhood Plan, should represent it during discussions with the committee.
Meanwhile, a new report into housing development in Rother is also out for consultation. A spokesperson for the council says they now have a draft strategy ready for final feedback. "Rother needs more new homes for its population, both affordable and for the wider housing market. The council wants to encourage new developments that will meet local needs. The council wants to support local and regional businesses and organisations that all play a part in bringing forward new housing developments."
The consultation continues until the end of March. You can read the Housing Development Strategy and comment on it here.
