A property in Leeds, West Yorkshire, operating as an unauthorized Airbnb party house has been shut down after a prolonged period of disruption for local residents. Neighbours reported disturbances including loud music, fireworks, and shouting from guests, often continuing until 4 a.m.
The four-bedroom detached house, marketed online as 'The Gathering,' was advertised to accommodate groups of up to 20 people and promoted itself as a venue where parties and events were permitted. Features included an outdoor hot tub, a large dining area, and extensive sofa beds.
Residents described the property as a magnet for stag and hen parties, as well as groups participating in local pub crawls. One resident, whose bedroom was adjacent to the property, reported being repeatedly woken by noise, including the sound of guests using nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas, and other illicit substances. The neighbour stated that the disturbances led to exhaustion, tears, and stress, impacting not only her but also other residents, including a doctor who worked nights and elderly individuals.
The property's listing boasted modern amenities and an outdoor entertainment area, with guests required to sign a contract and asked to show courtesy to neighbours. However, residents found these measures insufficient to prevent repeated disturbances.
Complaints were logged with Leeds City Council, local councillors, the property owner, and Airbnb. The council's out-of-hours Noise Nuisance Team received numerous reports detailing loud music, fireworks, late-night deliveries, and shouting. Planning documents indicated that these disturbances caused disrupted sleep, stress, and anxiety for neighbouring properties, preventing them from enjoying their homes peacefully.
Leeds City Council initiated enforcement action in June of the previous year, concluding that the property had undergone an unauthorized change of use. While the property had initial consent for use as meeting and office accommodation with sleeping space, its operation as a commercial holiday let for large groups constituted a material change requiring planning permission. This permission had not been obtained.
Land Registry records show the property was purchased in 2014 by a company linked to entrepreneur Dr. Larry Gould. In 2021, the building was leased to Outlooks Accommodation, a company run by Daniel Stevenson. There is no indication that Dr. Gould, who resides in Manhattan, was aware of the property's unauthorized use as a holiday let.
An appeal by Outlooks Accommodation against the council's enforcement notice was dismissed by the independent Planning Inspectorate. A spokesperson for Outlooks Accommodation stated that the property is no longer being rented out and that the company had been aware of its use as a holiday let from the beginning. They cited changes in the surrounding area, including a large residential development, as factors contributing to the incompatibility of the holiday let use and stated that the decision to cease operations was made after complaints could not be mitigated despite their efforts.
Online reviews for 'The Headingley House' were mixed. While some guests praised the facilities and communal spaces, others raised concerns about privacy due to cameras within the property and near the hot tub.
A Leeds City Council spokesperson confirmed that the scale of the operation, with potential occupants up to 20 and the level of disturbance, indicated a change of use from a single dwelling, which would have necessitated planning permission.