Highland Council Opens Consultation on Proposed Short-Term Let Control Areas and Industry Webinar

Highland Council STLCA Consultation Portal

Highland Council has formally opened consultation on proposed Short-Term Let Control Areas (STLCAs) covering parts of the Highlands, following the Council’s decision in February 2026 to proceed to consultation.

The consultation, which runs from 12 May until 23 June 2026 at 5pm, seeks views on proposals to designate:

• a Highland Rural STLCA
• an Inverness City STLCA

If introduced, the control areas would mean that, in certain circumstances, planning permission may be required for properties operating as short-term lets.

The consultation portal includes:

• descriptions of the proposed control areas
• maps showing the areas under consideration
• the Council’s reasons for the proposed designation
• supporting information and documents
• details on how to submit representations

ASSC members operating within Highland (and also across Scotland) are strongly encouraged to review the proposals and respond to the consultation.

Tourism Sector Webinar – 21 May

Highland Council is also hosting an online briefing session for self-catering / short-term let operators and tourism industry representatives on:

• Thursday 21 May 2026
• 10:30am – 12:00pm

The webinar will provide:

• an overview of the proposed control areas
• information on what designation could mean for operators, including existing licence holders
• guidance on how to participate in the consultation process
• details on how consultation feedback will inform next steps

Members can register to attend here.

For further information or queries, operators can contact the Council directly at: stlplanning@highland.gov.uk

The ASSC will continue to engage with Highland Council throughout the consultation period and will keep members updated on developments.