Ceredigion ranks fourth in Wales for the number of holiday homes in the county, it was revealed this week.

As a result, Ceredigion council should be asked to consider introducing a 100 per cent council tax premium on second homes, a committee has recommended.

A notice of motion was put forward last year calling on the Welsh Government to change planning law to allow greater control of second homes and holiday homes by local authorities. Evidence on the issue was discussed at a thriving communities overview and scrutiny meeting this week.

Using council tax data, a total of 2,125 properties are listed as second homes or holiday lets – 1,726 subject to council tax plus a 25 per cent premium and 399 paying non-domestic rates.

At committee on Wednesday, members heard that this equates to around six per cent of all dwellings in the county, putting Ceredigion at fourth highest across Wales.

The highest percentage of holiday homes was in New Quay, at 26 per cent or 206 properties. The next highest was Penbryn at 12 per cent or 138 properties, and then Borth with 11 per cent or 122 properties.

The report adds that the numbers “demonstrate a relatively stable market” since 1991 and most were in coastal areas and the wider Aberystwyth area, including Capel Bangor and Devils Bridge.

When Cllr Mark Strong put forward his notice of motion in December there was general support from councillors, but more evidence of the numbers in the county was requested.

Cllr Lyndon Lloyd asked that consideration be given to a 100 per cent second home council tax premium – similar to plans in Anglesey and Gwynedd – which was backed by the committee.

Concern over the impact of these homes on communities, the Welsh language and services were raised by councillors, while also highlighting the need to balance the economic benefit - with around £2.4 million a year accounted for.

This report will go back for further consideration of the motion at full council in the near future.