Reminder from Highland Council on short term let licensing scheme
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Highland Council is urging businesses and the public to have their say on a new mandatory short term let licensing scheme.
The local authority is currently consulting with local communities, businesses and the public on their plans which is due to take effect from October 1 later this year.
The short term let licensing scheme will apply to a wide range of accommodation including self-catered properties, B&Bs, guest houses, glamping pods and yurts.
The licensing scheme was brought in by the Scottish Government with the aim 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.
Comments from the consultation will be presented and discussed at the meeting of the Highland Licensing Committee on September 6 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 October 1 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."
This short term let licensing scheme is separate to plans currently being discussed for a short term control area in Badenoch and Strathspey which, if approved by the Scottish Government, will require change of use planning consent to run such lets.
