Ignorantbliss Posted September 14, 2021 Share Posted September 14, 2021 https://www.scottishhousingnews.com/article/highland-council-agrees-short-term-lets-limitations https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-highlands-islands-58475117 This is basically a mirror of the situation in Cornwall with short term holiday lets destroying the rental market for locals. Going forward, looks like a change of usage will require planning permission. The local council seem to have the support of the Scottish Government so this will go through in the months ahead. What will be interesting to see in the long term is how many conversions they will actually allow, there are a lot of VI's in that area so risk of it being just a PR exercise. Also be fascinating to see if they roll it out to other parts of the Highlands - Skye in particular. Quote Members of the Highland Council have agreed to progress a motion to use planning laws to limit the number of short-term lets in communities. The proposal, put forward by the four Badenoch and Strathspey councillors, received overwhelming support from members of the council. Bill Lobban, who presented the motion, urged that issues with the housing stock have reached “crisis point”. The proposal, if approved by the Scottish Government, would give the Highland Council the right to limit the conversion of homes for short-term lets. Councillors cited the rising number of properties for use as Airbnbs and “party houses” as a concern and barrier in allowing young people to climb onto the property ladder. The new legislation would allow for greater scrutiny in the change of use of properties, The Press and Journal reports. If approved, the area of Badenoch and Strathspey will become a let control area, meaning planning consent would be required for change of use. Locals would also be given the opportunity to comment on applications. Mr Lobban said that there have been instances where “new supposedly affordable homes” are being “bought off plan to become holiday lets”. He added that tourism is the “lifeblood” of Badenoch and Strathspey with the whole economy depending on it. However, Mr Lobban said that there must be a balance. He said the proposal will “allow people to feed into the planning system and be part of the decision-making process for something which is having a massive impact on their community”. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PeanutButter Posted December 5, 2021 Share Posted December 5, 2021 More coverage Scottish islanders launch Airbnb rival in fight against second homes crisis https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2021/dec/05/scottish-islanders-launch-airbnb-rival-in-fight-against-second-homes-crisis Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spyguy Posted December 5, 2021 Share Posted December 5, 2021 Push for planning permission for 2nd and holiday let's. Apply business rates. Fixed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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