COUNCILLORS have been urged to step up efforts to monitor so-called 'party houses' in Poole which residents say are “blighting” their lives.

A petition, signed by more than 200 people calling for better enforcement of short-term house rentals to large groups, was handed to BCP Council at its meeting last week.

It said there had been a “substantial” increase in the number in recent years and that they were leading to issues such as anti-social behaviour.

“These residential properties are now being used for commercial leisure accommodation as opposed to their intended and designate purpose to house local families and to contribute to a safe, stable and integrated community,” it said.

Research carried out as part of the petition found about 500 homes across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole sleeping 10 or more people were listed to rent online.

“Many of these properties are offering accommodation for 20 or more people,” it added. “with two-day minimum rentals this can mean there is the possibility of up to 3,000 different people living in a house in a year.

“Local residents report anti-social behaviour and noise at all times of day or night; verbal threats; and broken glass and litter.”

The petition, signed by 215 people, was handed to the council at its meeting on Tuesday.

It said the local authority’s planning and enforcement teams had been “ineffective” and that it needed to review its approach to clamping down on issues.

"We believe that any property in the area offered for short-term let for more than six people doesn't comply with the C3 use class and therefore should seek planning permission for change of use before being allowed to operate," it added.

Speaking after the meeting, councillor May Haines, whose Canford Cliffs ward is among the most affected by the issue, said she had arranged a meeting for early October to discuss how to deal with the problem.