Short term lets operators checking out of Badenoch and Strathspey
At least a dozen self-catering businesses have already closed their doors in Badenoch and Strathspey because of a radical new housing policy by Highland Council – and that is before it has even been introduced.
But the Cairngorms Business Partnership has said that rather than these homes going onto the local property market most are becoming second homes and will contribute significantly less to the strath's economy.
CBP chief executive Mark Tate has revealed that 12 of their members have already chosen to close their self-catering businesses.
He said this is as a direct result of plans for a new short term lets (STL) control area for the whole of Badenoch and Strathspey and separate plans, also by the local authority, for a licensing scheme for tourism accommodation.
Scottish Ministers recently approved plans for the control area in the strath – only the second part of Scotland after Edinburgh to have such a designation – in a bid to tackle the chronic shortage of affordable homes.
The move comes in the wake of the rise of Airbnb, Booking.com and other online platforms cranking up demand – and prices – for property in the strath.
It will means that STL property owners have to apply to the council for a change of use planning permission to continue their current business operation.
Scores of such applications have already been flooding in to the council's planning service in recent months.
The council is currently carrying out a public consultation on the final policy for the local STL control zone with a deadline set for next Friday (February 3).
But CBP chief executive Mark Tate revealed: "Our quarterly business survey tells us that staff shortages are the number one challenge facing businesses, the lack of affordable housing is a key factor driving that.
"We need to be very careful that in our attempt to solve that problem we don’t harm our economy.
"Twelve of the CBP’s member businesses have already chosen to close their self catering businesses as a result of both licensing and the proposed control area.
"Very few of those homes are suitable as affordable homes and most have become second homes dramatically reducing their economic value.
"We would encourage those replying to the consultation to bear in mind the potential for economic harm if the currently proposed planning policy is introduced."
However, Highland Council convener and local member Bill Lobban, who lives in Aviemore, said there was good support locally for the initiative.
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He told the Strathy: “The vast majority of local residents who have contacted me personally fully support the position the council is taking despite the scaremongering from some quarters.
"A quick glance at the weekly planning lists prove that large numbers of residential type properties are applying for planning permission and a good number of them have been approved.
"The fact that local residents and incoming staff can no longer afford to live here is the sole reason we took this decision and the do nothing option of sticking our heads in the sand and hope it will go away is not an option.”
Fellow local councillor Muriel Cockburn said: "Hospitality is a key industry to our local economy. It is important that the service provided is of the highest quality – part of that is having well paid staff available to support the service and affordable accommodation is a key factor.
"It is regrettable if some businesses do cease trading. It is important that all housing needs are met and that can only be achieved if all stakeholders work together seeking local solutions for local people to stay and work here.
"We need to look forward for our young people and allow them to have access to diverse sustainable economy for the area.”
Related article:
Scottish Ministers' approval of STL zone for strath hailed as 'momentous change'
The Strathy asked Highland Council for the level and balance of responses and themes to date in the public consultation.
But a spokesperson said: "The consultation was extended from six to eight weeks to allow for Christmas holiday. It is open until 3rd February then once closed the responses will be reviewed.
"We wouldn’t comment further whilst the consultation remains open."
• The consultation and draft policy can be found at www.highland.gov.uk/stlcontrolarea
