Popular UK beauty spot could bring in new Airbnb 'ban'

A control zone limiting Airbnb-style short-term lets has been proposed in a bid to tackle a shortage of homes in the Highlands. Inverness councillors Michael Gregson and Duncan Macpherson say the area needs more than 24,000 homes over the next decade.

But they say in a report that the region's private, long-term rental market has "shrunk disastrously", with estate agents withdrawing from letting properties because of a shortage of properties. The councillors argue there is a shortage of "affordable" housing despite efforts by Highland Council and housing associations.

Setting up a control zone in the Highlands means that those letting property short-term would need planning permission, in addition to a short-term letting licence.

Mr Macpherson and Mr Gregson are calling on Highland Council to ask Holyrood to revisit plans for legislation over gluts of short-term lets.

If that isn't possible, then the councillors want the local authority to seek approval for a Highland control zone, according to the BBC.

Mr Gregson told the broadcaster: "We have had in Highland a control zone pilot area in Badenoch and Strathspey, so have useful experience to draw on."

He added the extra powers could help ease pressure on housing, parking and services.

Officials have said such a move would have budget implications and there could be challenges to a control zone across the whole region.

The whole of the City of Edinburgh Council area has already been designated as a short-term let control area. Its supporters argued it the control zone was needed to help locals get more affordable homes.

The designation came into effect on September 5, 2022. It means a dwelling that isn't a main home used as a short-term let will require planning permission under the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997 and The Town and Country Planning (Short-Term Let Control Areas) (Scotland) Regulations 2021. It does not apply to shared homes or home lets.