More than 300 submissions have been received by Mornington Peninsula Shire Council to a proposed law designed to regulate so-called ‘party houses’.

The council has decided to get tough on the occupants of short-stay rental accommodation properties on the Peninsula who disrupt neighbours’ peace and quiet with all-night parties and anti-social behaviour. Its proposed Short Stay Rental Accommodation Local Law (Draft) would create a registration system that identifies property owners and requires them to nominate an appointed agent who has to respond within two hours of a neighbour’s complaints.

Environment protection manager John Rankine said staff were currently working through the submissions in preparation for a report to the council over the next few months.

Cr Bev Colomb stressed that the majority of property owners were very responsible, but the issue of party houses demanded a tough stance by the council. “Problems reported due to short stay accommodation in residential areas include anti-social behaviour of occupants, loud noise late into the night, carparking congestion and poor rubbish disposal,” Cr Colomb said. “Frequent anti-social and rowdy behaviour from short stay rental accommodation is not acceptable in residential areas. The registration process and code of conduct will ensure respect for neighbouring properties.”

Let’s see what the result is. If the local law goes through, it will be used in conjunction with Environment Protection Act 1970, Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008 and the Planning and Environment Act 1987.

Stay tuned.