Short-term lets: Approval sought for control zone

The Scottish government is to be asked to approve the setting up of a short-term lets control zone for Badenoch and Strathspey.

Highland councillors voted in favour of making the bid at a meeting on Thursday.

Under the proposals, planning approval would be needed before a property could be offered as a short-term let.

The lets usually involve self-catering holiday accommodation.

Highland Council has heard of concerns over a lack of housing for people who want to live and work in the area.

Local views on setting up the short-term let control area are almost split down the middle, according to a consultation Highland Council held on the proposals.

Responses included suggestions it would lead to greater availability of much-needed housing, but also warnings of the impact controls would have on the local economy.

During the six-week consultation period, a total of 332 responses were received.

Out of these, 52% were from private individuals, 44% from short-term let operators/management companies and the remainder were local businesses, the Cairngorms National Park Authority and community councils.

Council officials said the results were equally split at 45% each way - with the remainder of respondents unsure.

Earlier this year, Scotland's first short-term let control zone was approved in Edinburgh.

It means any property being wholly-run for this purpose will need to apply for change of use.

The move followed concern that such lettings had exacerbated housing shortages and fuelled anti-social behaviour.