The government is proposing new rules which would see some homeowners wanting to rent their properties to holidaymakers to apply for planning permission.

Housing secretary Michael Gove believes the move is necessary to ensure greater housing affordability for local people in tourist areas such as coastal towns or national parks.

In a consultation document published today, the government is proposing to create a planning use class for short term lets. This would allow local authorities to require planning permission of owners wanting to let out their properties.