Home   News   Article

Public urged to take part in online consultation on short-term lets in the Highlands


By Gordon Calder

Easier access to your trusted, local news. Subscribe to a digital package and support local news publishing.



Click here to sign up to our free newsletters!

A PUBLIC consultation is to take place on new legislation on short-term lets in the Highlands. The online consultation will include local communities, businesses and the public and be on Highland Council's draft policy statement relating to the new mandatory short term let licensing scheme, which is due to take effect from October 1. The licensing scheme will apply to a wide range of accommodation including self-catered properties, B&B’s, guest houses, glamping pods and yurts.

The licensing scheme was brought in by the Scottish Government to ensure short term lets are safe, address issues faced by neighbours, to facilitate local authorities in knowing and understanding what is happening in their area and handling complaints effectively. It also enables local authorities to ensure the people providing short term lets are suitable.

Highland Council is undertaking the consultation on short term lets in its area
Highland Council is undertaking the consultation on short term lets in its area

The consultation on the draft policy and the proposed additional conditions for short term lets runs until Friday 5 August 2022 and the link to take part can be found on the council’s website homepage or visit - https://www.highland.gov.uk/stl-licensing

Comments from the consultation will be presented and discussed at the meeting of the Highland Licensing Committee on 6 September 2022 where members will finalise their policy statement.

Committee chairman, councillor Sean Kennedy said: "Due to a change in legislation, all local authorities are required to open a licensing scheme for short term lets by 1 October this year.

"The legislation aims to make sure that the economic and tourism benefits from short term lets are balanced with the needs and concerns of local communities.

"This is going to be a significant change for anyone who rents out accommodation, so I encourage people to have a look at the draft policy and get back to us with comments before the consultation ends."


Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.



This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies - Learn More