Early cases under new short term lets licensing in Highlands to be heard
Two applications for granting of short term let licences for holiday properties at Invertromie are to be heard following objections from a neighbour.
It is only the second time that such applications have come before the Highland Licensing Committee since the registration scheme came into force last Autumn.
The bids are for Wildcat Lodge, Invertromie, Kingussie by Dr Ronald Gilmour Neville, and for Osprey Lodge, also Invertromie Steadings, submitted by Sarah A Black.
Neighbour David Murray has objected to both applications.
All the parties will have the chance to give their case at the committee meeting tomorrow in Inverness.
Mr Murray states in his written objection: "I feel that applications for the three short term lets should be considered as a group application and not as separate applications due to the collective negative impact they have on the infrastructure of the development and on the quality of life of the other property owners.
"Issues include parking, disruption, group bookings for celebrations, dogs off leads, bins, items being flushed into the septic tank and regularly exceeding the maximum capacity of the septic tank."
Dr Gilmour states as part of his lengthy response: "All bar one of Mr Murray’s comments are not directed specifically towards Wildcat Lodge.
"The one which is specific to Wildcat Lodge is factually incorrect."
He points out: "We do not accept group bookings for celebrations. We have an explicit ban on hosting stag or hen parties. We do not have a hot tub.
"The guests who choose to stay at Wildcat Lodge Scandi-Scots Cairngorms Retreat, within an RSPB bird reserve, a disabled access venue and with environmentally sustainable credentials, are almost exclusively intergenerational family groups.
"Mr and Mrs Murray have never notified us of concerns about the composition of our STL guests."
Neither Police Scotland nor Highland Council's environmental health service have objected to either of the licences being issued.
Another property at the same location called Hideaway Lodge is referred to by Mr Murray but does not appear on this latest agenda for consent of a STL licence.
The licensing scheme is separate to the STL control area which is due to come into force in Badenoch and Strathspey from next month.
Both of the licensing applications can be read via this link
