Campaign group against party houses in Badenoch and Strathspey says members have been left intimidated
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A recently formed group bidding to tackle anti-social behaviour at so-called party homes has claimed some of its members have been threatened by visitors and owners
Highlands Against Party House Intrusion (HAPHI) was formed by a group of Strathspey residents in January, earlier this year, who were all affected by nuisance from badly run short term let (STL) properties.
A spokesman said: "Several members of HAPHI have been subjected to physical and verbal threats from owners and visitors...
"Nuisance from STLs such as noise, drunkenness and nudity from short term lets continues to be a problem for all HAPHI members and it is common experience that response from Highland Council is woefully inadequate.
"Members of the group have also reported that they know people who would like to join the group but are scared of reprisals if they do join, object to planning applications or report problems to the authorities."
HAPHI has said it has been active network in the past six months since formation.
The group have submitted two sets of evidence to the Short Term Lets Stakeholder Working Group and engaged with the democratic process of drafting regulations to control short term letting.
Three newsletters have been circulated, keeping members up to date with the developing regulations and providing tips on how to complain effectively about short term lets which cause nuisance in the community.
Members are currently involved in compiling a briefing note for MSPs who will be voting on the proposed new legislation to control short-term lets, in conjunction with PLACEdinburgh.
Recently, members of HAPHI had their first meeting following easing of Covid restrictions and reviewed what the group has been doing and what it plans for the future.
The spokesman said: "It has become clear that even well run STLs are causing significant problems particularly within Strathspey.
"The explosion in holiday letting, in addition to large numbers of private second homes, has caused a housing crisis in the area.
"For example, in 2019, Highland Council reported a shortage of some 8000 social housing units but at the same time recognised that at least 4000 whole houses had been lost to short term letting."
Looking to the future, HAPHI said it plans to give more emphasis to lobbying local and national politicians to ensure that current regulations are followed and that agencies such as Highland Council are given sufficient resource to implement new regulations and respond to complaints about badly run STLs.
The group is urging anyone affected by STL nuisance to contact them by email at haphihighland@aol.com and all exchanges will be treated confidentially.
