Village calls for tougher controls on 'party houses' after £1.6m holiday let row

Residents of a Welsh village are calling for tougher controls on large "party houses", after complaints of anti-social behaviour disturbing otherwise quiet rural communities.

The campaign, which has gained more than 1,500 signatures, follows after residents in Halkyn, Flintshire, raised concerns about a 24-person holiday rental in the area.

In April, neighbours of the £1.6m luxury holiday retreat said the village's peaceful atmosphere had been disturbed by noise so loud a deaf man was "bothered by it".

The Welsh government said it was aware of the petition and would respond if referred by the committee. Previously, the holiday let owner said they had been responding to residents' complaints.

Campaigners of the Senedd petition said their proposal was not targeting ordinary holiday lets or responsible tourism businesses.

But those who want stronger licensing and enforcement, particularly for properties marketed for weekend celebrations and parties, say similar complaints have emerged across Wales.

They said issues stemmed from large old buildings like schoolhouses or chapels in rural settings being bought and renovated to become holiday rentals or AirBnB-style properties housing 10 or more people.

Brynford and Halkyn councillor Fran Lister launched the campaign after she was backed by Flintshire County Council to try and prevent anti-social behaviour.

She said: "The impact on nearby residents can be very different from a traditional holiday let.

"Some of these properties include entertainment rooms, bars, outdoor social spaces, professional sound and lighting systems and facilities designed for large groups.

"They can operate more like private venues than traditional holiday cottages."

One Flintshire resident who has been impacted by such properties said the petition was a chance to protect others.

The resident, who did not want to be named, said: "The impact this holiday let near us has had on our daily lives, and the invasion of our privacy, is something we would never wish on anyone.

"Our aim now is to help ensure that stronger legislation is introduced to properly regulate these types of 'party houses'.

"No one should have to go through what we are going through just to feel safe and comfortable in their own home. This could happen to anyone and we want to help protect other families in the future."

Lister, who is leading the campaign with councillor Simon Jones, warned that without stronger licensing powers, communities across Wales could face the same disruption.

"There is excellent tourism accommodation in Brynford and Halkyn, where operators act responsibly and contribute positively to the local economy," she said.

"The actions requested by this petition would not affect the vast majority of holiday accommodation".

Her petition asks for stronger licensing arrangements, particularly for properties accommodating more than 10 guests, so that councils can set conditions in advance relating to noise management, outdoor entertainment areas, named responsible managers and action where serious disturbance is repeated.

Jones added: "Many residents will have heard about high-occupancy holiday lets and the impact they have on neighbours and the community.

"Proper licensing would give councils clearer powers to protect residents while allowing responsible holiday accommodation to continue operating."

Senedd petitions are heard when they reach a minimum of 250 signatures. The Petitions Committee will then review them during scheduled public meetings.

If a petition gathers over 10,000 signatures, the committee may schedule a dedicated debate in the main Senedd chamber.