Online holiday rental site Airbnb has removed the listing of a controversial industrial cabin in Hull city centre following an investigation.
To the bemusement of a councillor, a small industrial-type building off Egginton Street was listed on the online marketplace as a “basic but convenient” place to stay. Cllr Daren Hale, leader of the Labour group on Hull City Council, said: “At first I thought it must be April Fools’ Day. It is an utter disgrace that such property can be touted on Airbnb.”
He added that he asked for the council “to immediately act”, stating he felt it “is a hazard” as “industrial units should not be lived in” Cllr Hale also contacted Airbnb to raise the issue, calling the accommodation “not acceptable”.
(Image: Hull City Council)
The Labour group leader’s St Andrew’s and Docklands ward colleague, Cllr Leanne Fudge, said: “This brings it home loud and clear that there is a housing crisis in this country, but we cannot allow accommodation like this. It cannot be a race to the bottom.”
As well as the councillors’ discontent with the standard of accommodation on offer, questions were also raised over the building’s legitimacy. In a statement, a Hull City Council spokesperson said: “The council is aware of a property on Egginton Street that is operating without the appropriate planning permission.
(Image: Hull Live)
“We are following standard enforcement procedures to investigate this and are urging the property owners to engage with the council on this matter or enforcement action will be taken.”
After the councillor raised the issue, the listing disappeared from Airbnb’s website. When quizzed on the listing’s disappearance, an Airbnb spokesperson said: “Following an investigation, we have removed this listing in line with our policies.”
Keep up to date with all the latest breaking news and top stories from Hull with our free newsletter