Update

Our 'Party House' Campaign Is Now Making National News

18 Jul 2026

Fran Lister

The issue of high-occupancy visitor accommodation in our community is now getting national attention. This week, BBC News covered the story on their website, and it is being talked about right across Wales.

This matters. For months, residents in Halkyn have been telling me about the noise and disturbance coming from a large holiday let in the village — a property that sleeps 24 guests and is marketed for big group stays and celebrations. Weekend after weekend, families living nearby have had their peace shattered by loud music, noise from the hot tub late into the night, and parties that carry on into the early hours.

What the BBC reported

The BBC article tells the story of our village's campaign for tougher rules on large holiday properties that operate like party venues. It shares the experience of residents living next door, one of whom 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."

No one should have to live like that in their own home.

My statement

"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."

I want to be clear, as I always have been: this is not an attack on tourism. Brynford and Halkyn are home to many excellent holiday lets whose owners act responsibly and support our local economy. This campaign would not affect them. It is about a small number of very large properties that cause repeated misery for the people living next to them — and the gap in the law that leaves councils with too few powers to act.

Flintshire Council unanimously backs my notice of motion

The campaign is growing

This national coverage comes after Flintshire County Council unanimously backed my motion, seconded by Councillor Simon Jones, calling on Welsh Government to introduce stronger licensing powers for high-occupancy visitor accommodation. Since then, a Senedd petition started by affected residents has gathered well over a thousand signatures — enough for it to be considered by the Senedd's Petitions Committee.

The more attention this issue gets, the harder it becomes for Welsh Government to ignore. If you haven't signed the petition yet, please do — and share it with friends and family.

Sign the petition here | Read the BBC News article