A seaside resort in Bournemouth has been taken over by Airbnbs with "noisy guests in hot tubs until 4am".
Residents living close to Southbourne Beach in Bournemouth, Dorset, are growing increasingly frustrated with what they describe as an invasion of short-term holiday rentals in their neighbourhood.
Locals claim the proliferation of Airbnb properties has fundamentally altered the character of their once-peaceful seaside community.
Among the most common grievances are visitors using hot tubs late into the night, with some reportedly staying in them until 4am.
Several objectors have urged the council to impose conditions preventing the new homes from being used as short-term holiday accommodation
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Parking has also become a significant flashpoint, with homeowners complaining that holiday guests are taking up spaces on residential streets.
The concerns have intensified following news that a holiday accommodation company is seeking permission to construct five new homes on a desirable road near the beach, sparking fears the situation could worsen further.
Burry and Knight Ltd, which forms part of the Hoburne Holidays Group, has submitted plans to knock down a dilapidated bungalow and an adjacent two-storey block of flats, the Daily Mail reports.
The company proposes replacing them with three detached four-bedroom properties and two semi-detached three-bedroom homes.
BCP Council has so far received 13 formal objections to the scheme, with residents raising additional worries about reduced light, diminished privacy, and excessive building density on the plot.
Rita Gray, whose home faces the proposed development site, said it would "impact our quality of life" should the new properties become holiday lets or Airbnbs, citing guests who keep "unsociable hours" and create parking difficulties.
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Southbourne Beach in Bournemouth has become popular among holidaymakers causing dismay for locals
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Sally Clark, another nearby resident, said: "There are lots of Airbnbs in this area already. There are purpose-built ones being built at the bottom of the road."
"It's the noise disturbance, people staying there just don't care, they will be in the hot tubs at 4am. They also cause parking problems."
Ms Clark questioned why the council would permit what she considers effectively hotel-style accommodation in a purely residential area with no commercial premises.
Morten Roepstorff warned that without restrictions on short-term letting, the neighbourhood risks losing more family housing to the holiday rental market, arguing that permitting such uses on new developments creates a troubling precedent.
He said: "So many thriving villages in seaside locations have fallen foul of this as it reduces the requirements for local schools, shops, post offices year round, eventually destroying the local communities."
Betty Drinkwater, whose bungalow sits behind the proposed site, expressed concern about being overshadowed and hemmed in by the buildings.
Jack Taylor described the plans as "very overbearing" and called for protecting the family atmosphere of the area.
Several objectors have urged the council to impose conditions preventing the new homes from being used as short-term holiday accommodation if planning permission is granted.
Adrian Chilcott argued that any approval should stipulate the houses "are not to be used for second homes, holiday lets or Airbnb."
Sally Maidment echoed this view, stating such a condition "would help to maintain the sense of community for permanent residents."
Chris Evans, who lives adjacent to the site, said restrictions would "ease the worries of neighbours" about the properties becoming holiday rentals.
Speaking on behalf of the developer, planning consultant Jonathan Leigh defended the proposals, arguing the existing uninhabited buildings make "inefficient use" of the plot and fail to contribute positively to the area.
BCP Council planning officers are expected to reach a decision shortly.
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