On February 11, 2025, the Planning Inspectorate dismissed an appeal against a planning enforcement notice issued by Camden Council in April 2024. The notice was served because 254-256 and 258 Belsize Road were being used illegally as serviced apartments for short-term rentals.
Although the apartments were widely advertised on many short-let booking platforms, the owners argued that they were following residential (C3) rules and staying within the 90-day short-term rental limit. However, the council provided strong evidence proving otherwise. including hotel-style entry key cards, no postboxes or doorbells, and interconnecting apartments.
While the council supports homeowners renting out their properties occasionally, many short-term lets are run by businesses operating multiple properties year-round. Without stricter regulations, tackling this problem remains a challenge.
ASAP’s response:
The Serviced Apartment Industry has evolved into a complex and dynamic sector, driven by the diverse accommodation needs of modern travellers and organisations.
While legislation remains clear, corporate travellers often require extended stays – frequently exceeding 90 days – highlighting a gap between industry demands and outdated planning protocols. Temporary housing solutions are also required by the entire spectrum of end users, from local housing authorities, engineers and insurance companies, to international corporates and film makers.
The industry is for more dynamic than just 2-night stay leisure guests.
In its 2023 consultation on the short-let sector, the government acknowledged some of these challenges and their potential impact on housing shortages. Alongside many others in the industry, we shared our insights and recommendations, yet no meaningful changes have been made.
ASAP continues to urge policymakers to engage in meaningful dialogue, recognising the critical role business travel plays in a sector valued at £2billion within the UK economy and the requirement for more flexibility in the current planning rules and regulations.
Says ASAP CEO James Foice: “As the official trade body representing only professional operators committed to strict codes of conduct, duty of care, and transparency, we acknowledge this restriction. However, the industry has developed organically, and inflexible regulations alone will neither resolve the housing crisis nor prevent the risk of driving illegitimate operations underground.
“We stand ready to engage in further discussions with government ministers to develop a balanced solution – one that safeguards housing requirements, helps grow the economy and the sustain integrity of this part of the accommodation industry.”
