Second Homes European Perspectives and UK Policies

Second homes are once again a source of political and social contention in rural areas. The British government's decision to reduce Council Tax discounts on second homes in England in April 2004 has caused wide debate in local communities, local authorities, and the media. The debate has not only focused on the vexed Council Tax issue, but on wider rural housing concerns. Questions have been raised as to whether second homes are a major cause of housing affordability problems in rural areas, and whether they lead to the displacement of local people in rural communities. In the face of anecdotal evidence being presented to answer these questions, Second Homes: European Perspectives and UK Policies, offers a more comprehensive analysis of the second homes question as it now exists. This up-to-date and authoritative analysis of second homes draws on the latest research and offers a critical insight into current housing problems in rural communities. Those interested in rural and housing studies will find the book valuable.

Contents: Introduction. The Second Home Debate: Second home ownership and demand; The impacts of second homes. Second Homes In Context: England and Wales: case studies; European experiences: past and present; Mainland Europe and Britain compared. Responding To Second Home Pressures: The evolving framework; Land use planning mechanisms; A new framework for policy; Conclusions; Bibliography; Index.

Nick Gallent is Senior Lecturer at The Bartlett School of Planning, University College London, UK. Alan Mace is now Senior Lecturer at the School of Architecture and the Built Environment, University of Westminster, UK. Mark Tewdwr-Jones is Professor of Spatial Planning and Governance at The Bartlett School of Planning, University College London, UK.