Have your say on proposed short-term let control area
Have your say on proposed short-term let control area...
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.
However the Council recognises the importance of balancing housing demand with the needs of a sustainable tourism economy - short term lets 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.
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
balance local economic benefits with the need for homes for residents and workers
in areas under 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 1st November 2026.
Please see the website for the Short Term Let Control Area consultation which is
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