Argyll and Bute Council is asking residents, businesses, communities and short-term let operators for their views on proposals intended to support housing in the areas facing the greatest pressure.
The Council has launched a consultation on a proposed Short-Term Let Control Area (STLCA) covering Mull and Iona; Coll and Tiree; Islay, Jura and Colonsay; and Lorn and the Inner Isles.
One of the drivers behind new national planning regulations bringing in STLCAs is balancing an area’s housing and economic needs.
New proposals for use of a house or flat as a Short Term Let in a STLCA will always need planning permission, which is not always the case in other areas.
In the area proposed as a STLCA in Argyll and Bute, up to 42% of housing is unavailable for use as a permanent home.
Evidence shows that the concentration of short term lets is contributing to significant housing market pressures for individuals, families and businesses. These include; loss of housing available for permanent occupation; affordability challenges; declining housing choice; recruitment and retention difficulties; risks to population and sustainability; and wide impacts on communities and public services.
That said, the Council fully acknowledges the importance of balancing local housing demand with the needs of a sustainable tourism economy - short-term lets, often referred to as self-catering, provide a valuable tourism resource and this needs careful consideration.
Councillor Jim Lynch, Council Leader and Policy Lead for the Economy and Housing said:
“Housing pressures are affecting communities, businesses and public services across Argyll and Bute. We have to consider all options available for addressing this important issue. At the same time, the area also needs accommodation for its visitor economy. This consultation is an opportunity to get involved in assessing a STLCA as a way to help balance local economic benefits with the need for homes for residents and workers in areas under the greatest housing pressure.”
Consultation findings will go to a future meeting of the Council for consideration. If a proposal for a STLCA was approved, it would have to be submitted to the Scottish Government for agreement.
The consultation is open until 1 November.
