Plans to consult on introducing a Short-Term Let (STL) Control Area in Lochaber have been approved by Highland councillors.
At a meeting of the Lochaber Area Committee on Monday, members unanimously agreed that the process of developing a proposed control area should begin, supported by a period of public consultation. Councillors said Lochaber had “significantly higher short-term let properties than the Highland-wide average”, arguing that a review was justified to help address local housing challenges.
If ultimately designated, the control area would mean that any future change of use from a dwellinghouse to a short-term let would require planning permission. Existing, licensed short-term lets would not be affected.
Ahead of the meeting, the Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers (ASSC) warned that the move risked unfairly targeting small businesses that underpin the region’s visitor economy.
Fiona Campbell MBE, CEO of the ASSC, said:
“The ASSC does not believe there is a sufficient evidence base to progress with a short-term let control area for Lochaber. Targeting small businesses as a means of addressing longstanding housing issues – especially when there are a larger number of empty homes across the Highlands – shows a muddled sense of priorities. The local economy relies on tourism and self-catering is an integral component of the visitor accommodation mix. Rather than scapegoating small businesses, we need to shift the policy focus to meaningful solutions that won’t harm the tourist economy, such as tackling the Highlands’ record as a major empty homes hotspot.”
The consultation forms part of a statutory process required under The Town and Country Planning (Short-term Let Control Areas) (Scotland) Regulations 2021, which mandates public engagement and a statement of reasons before any control area can be formally designated.
The ASSC continues to support fair and proportionate regulation, but maintains there is no clear evidence to justify introducing planning control areas in Scotland. The self-catering sector contributes £864 million in GVA and supports over 29,000 jobs across the country, while accounting for just 0.8% of Scotland’s housing stock – significantly less than the number of empty homes.