Second homes curbs quashed in Gwynedd legal ruling

Published: 28 November 2025 Friday. The English Chronicle DeskThe. English Chronicle Online

Measures to limit the number of second homes in Gwynedd have been overturned following a key legal challenge. In September 2024, Cyngor Gwynedd became the first council to require planning permission to convert a residential property into a second home or holiday let.

The move, under Article 4, faced legal action claiming it would devalue homes and make them harder to sell. A judge ruled that Gwynedd’s cabinet had not been fully informed before making their decision, quashing Article 4 with immediate effect. At a hearing in Cardiff, the Honourable Mr Justice Eyre rejected the council’s request to suspend the order while considering an appeal.

The legal challenge was brought by the campaign group People of Gwynedd Against Article 4. Gwynedd resident Laura Alliss, who helped fundraise for the case, said: “We’re thrilled on behalf of the claimant and all the residents of Gwynedd. We feel justice has been served and the council has been held accountable for the unlawful manner in which the Article 4 direction was approved by the cabinet.” She added that the council has three weeks to seek permission for a Court of Appeal challenge but hopes they will reconsider.

In October 2022, the Welsh government granted local authorities powers to control second homes by introducing three classes of use: main home, second home, and short-term holiday accommodation. Planning permission is required to convert a property into a second home, though owners in Gwynedd already pay a 150% council tax premium on second homes. Article 4 had been introduced as a tool to manage the impact of second homes and holiday lets.

A public consultation gathered 3,902 responses, with areas like Aberdaron—where 30% of properties are second homes—supporting the measure. However, the People of Gwynedd Against Article 4 challenged the plan, arguing that the council had misled or misunderstood key details when approving the direction.

A High Court ruling in September found that officers’ reports had materially misled councillors. The judge noted that only material changes of use fell under planning controls, not a blanket measure for all new holiday homes. He added that research showed the majority of Gwynedd residents could not compete in their own housing market, highlighting the need for action to protect Welsh-speaking communities.

A council spokesperson stated: “We have been determined to ensure people in Gwynedd have access to suitable homes. Article 4 was introduced to manage homes being converted into second homes or holiday lets. Research showed 65% of Gwynedd households were priced out, especially in communities with a high proportion of holiday homes.”

The council expressed disappointment at the ruling but confirmed it will proceed with a written appeal to protect the decision to introduce Article 4 in Gwynedd.