Huge responses to short term let zone plan for Badenoch and Strathspey
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Highland Council has said that there have been more than 300 responses to plans to create a Short Term Let Control Area in Badenoch and Strathspey.
The closing deadline for comments was late Monday afternoon. However, the responses and the main issues raised in the public consultation have not yet been revealed.
A Highland Council spokesman told the Strathy: “Over 300 responses have been received to the consultation on the establishment of a Short Term Let Control Area for the strath.
“The feedback received will be analysed and reported to the council’s economy and infrastructure committee for consideration later this year so that elected members can decide how to proceed with the control area.
“In line with our standard procedures the report and appendices will be made public a few days ahead of the committee date.”
Highland Council convener and local member Bill Lobban who instigated the move for the zone covering the whole of Badenoch and Strathspey said to date he had not seen the contents of the responses.
If established, all houses and flats within the strath used for secondary letting including through Airbnb and booking.com would required to obtain planning approval to continue to be used as a short-term let.
The council has indicated the new rule – aimed at helping to ease the chronic lack of affordable homes – could come into effect in late 2022 if all runs smoothly.
However, the Strathy is aware that the region’s leading business group the Cairngorms Business Partnership (CBP) has called for the planning change of use requirement not to be applied retrospectively.
CBP chief executive Mark Tate has said such a move could do major damage to the local economy without any guarantees the homes would be used for local affordable accommodation.
'Bold bid' to tackle affordable housing shortage in Badenoch and Strathspey
