New short term lets restrictions to come into force next month in Badenoch and Strathspey

New restrictions on short term lets are to come into force in Badenoch and Strathspey in just over a month's time.

Members of Highland Council's economy and infrastructure committee agreed earlier today to the move which has proved divisive.

The new STL Control Area (STLCA) which will cover the entire strath will formally be established date on June 18.

Before that STL license officers will hosting information sessions to inform existing and perspective operators of the requirements the new control area.

Local member Bill Lobban has been one of the driving forces and he has welcomed the backing.

He said: “The housing marketplace in Badenoch and Strathspey is in meltdown with local residents and incoming staff unable to find affordable accommodation.

"The new STL Control Area will not solve the problem overnight but is just one of a mix of innovative solutions we will have to consider going on into the future.

“Badenoch and Strathspey needs visitors as they are the mainstay of our economy but we also need homes for the people who live and work in the area.

"There is no point building more and more houses if local people are completely priced out of the market by holiday and second home owners.

"Currently there is a severe imbalance in the market which this innovation will help correct.”

Councillor Russell Jones, the council's Badenoch and Strathspey area committee chairman, said: “Members unanimously agreed to the commencement of the control zone for the strath to begin 18 June.

"Existing operators will have until 1 October 2023 to apply for both their STL license and the necessary planning permissions for the newly established control area.

“We are pleased that planning officers will carry out public engagement sessions to inform and support existing and perspective STL operators of the requirements the control area has across the Badenoch and Strathspey area.”

Members delegated authority to Officers to undertake and publish the final legislative arrangements to establish the STL Control Area, including the necessary press advertisement, notification of interested parties and other publication work.

E&I committee chairman Ken Gowans said: “This is only one of the tools designed to set a balanced approach to bring more housing back into full-time occupancy, regardless of ownership.

"The STL control area covers the loss of dwelling houses to the secondary let market, tourism and visitor accommodation such as pods, cabins and huts are not covered, and guest houses are excluded if the owner or operator resides at the property.”

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