A West Cumbrian campaign group has welcomed a move which means they could have a 50 per cent Council Tax discount restored to their chalets in Allonby.
Members of Cumberland Council’s businesses and resources overview and scrutiny committee met at Cumbria House in Carlisle on Tuesday February 20 to consider a report from a task and finish group.
According to the report on the council tax discounts and premiums for second homes policy, there were three recommendations:
- that the council proceeds with its intention to introduce a 100 per cent premium for second homes from the year 2025/26;
- that second homes (class A) which cannot be lived in on a permanent basis should receive an appropriate discount – it is understood that this would be 50 per cent;
- and over the next six to nine months discretionary discounts be consulted on including other properties that are not class A.
Members voted in favour of the recommendations, with the proposed changes to the wording, and the report is due to be further debated by the full council on Wednesday, March 6, at the Civic Centre in Carlisle.
The campaign group, Allonby Chalet Owners, had been calling for the second recommendation because they are unable to occupy them all year round and yet they were classed as second homes following the formation of Cumberland Council.
Group spokesman, Mark Blacklock, said: “Allonby Chalet owners have been working closely with Cumberland Council over the past year to help them understand our unique position.
“Our licence conditions stipulate that our chalets cannot be commercialised and must be a temporary structure which cannot by law be used for three and a half months over winter (from November 15 to March 1).
“Our chalets are not a second home.
“We are not depleting the local housing market. We are not the perpetrators of increasing house prices above the affordability of local people. We have had a presence in Allonby for 80 years and we are part of Allonby’s rich heritage.
“We appreciate all that Cumberland Council has done to recognise our unique position, and that they have proposed a fair resolution to enable us to continue to be an integral part of the Allonby community for future generations.”
The task and finish group’s report stated: “Here they occupy chalets, a type of structure that is not as robust as would be expected of a main residence, some are similar to a prefabricated cabin. These chalets, by virtue of planning restrictions can only be occupied for nine months of the year.”
The task and finish group, which consisted of four members of the committee, met on three occasions during January and February this year to consider the matter.
Their report added: “This is as a result of the significant national debate about the nature and quantum of second home ownership, its impact on housing supply and its role in the economy.
“Cumberland Council is especially interested in this due to the role that the Lake District National Park plays in attracting second homes.
“Local campaign groups supported the introduction of council tax premiums for second homes in Keswick and have also supported the enforcement of planning rules designed to support the occupation of properties by permanent residents.”
