An Airbnb property in Leeds, West Yorkshire, advertised as an unauthorised party pad charging up to £1,000 per night has been ordered to shut down following persistent complaints from neighbours about noise and disturbances.
The property, a four-bedroom detached house in the Headingley suburb, was marketed online as 'The Gathering' and offered accommodation for groups of up to 20. It boasted features such as an outdoor hot tub, a large dining area, and a lounge with sofa beds, and was promoted as a venue for parties and events.
However, residents reported that the property became a magnet for disruptive stag and hen parties, as well as groups participating in the Otley Run pub crawl. Neighbours described enduring loud music, fireworks, and shouting and swearing from guests, often continuing until as late as 4 a.m. One resident, who moved to the area seeking a peaceful environment, reported being repeatedly woken by the noise and experiencing exhaustion and distress.
Complaints to Leeds City Council, local councillors, the property management company, and Airbnb detailed incidents of loud music, fireworks, late-night deliveries, and noisy guests. The council's out-of-hours Noise Nuisance Team was contacted on multiple occasions.
Leeds City Council took enforcement action in June of the previous year, concluding that the property had undergone an 'unauthorised change of use' by operating as commercial holiday accommodation. The property had originally been granted consent for 'meeting and office accommodation with sleeping space'.
Land Registry documents indicate the property was purchased in 2014 by a company linked to Leeds-born entrepreneur Dr. Larry Gould and his wife, Michele. Dr. Gould subsequently leased the building in 2021 to Outlooks Accommodation, a company run by Daniel Stevenson. There is no indication that Dr. Gould was aware of the property's operation as an unauthorised holiday let.
An appeal by Outlooks Accommodation against the council's enforcement notice was dismissed by the independent Planning Inspectorate, who found in favour of the residents. Outlooks Accommodation stated that the property is no longer being rented out and that the council was aware of its use as a holiday let from the beginning. The company cited that changes in the surrounding area, including a large residential development, made the holiday let use incompatible, and that they decided to cease operations after complaints could not be mitigated.
Online reviews for the property were mixed. While some guests praised the facilities and communal space for events like hen dos, others raised concerns about privacy, noting the presence of cameras, including one directed at the hot tub.
A spokesperson for Leeds City Council explained that the potential number of occupants (up to 20) and the level of disturbance indicated a change of use from a single dwelling, which would necessitate planning permission.