Inverness councillor calls for controls to curb rise of short term let properties and Airbnb-type accommodation
Opinion is shifting in favour of introducing rules to limit Airbnb-style holiday accommodation in Inverness, according to a city councillor.
Concerns have been growing that the rise in holiday and short term let (STL) properties is adding to the city’s housing crisis and altering the character of residential neighbourhoods.
Inverness Central councillor Michael Gregson is now calling for action for a STL control zone to be introduced in the Highland capital to cap their numbers.
He made his comments after council officers briefed city councillors on the issue.
• Community voices concerns over rise in Airbnb-type accommodation
• Neighbourhood’s character is changing, say residents
• Short term let properties have spoilt home life
Cllr Gregson praised officers for their work which he said made for a much more promising situation in terms of oversight and protection of communities.
“I feel the tide has turned, as a result of growing public concern about the rapid increase in short term lets,” he said.
“Markets need to be regulated.”
Cllr Gregson said although licensing legislation, introduced by the Scottish Government in 2019, had been implemented, the outcome was excessively unregulated growth.
“I don’t think anyone in government anticipated the situation we’ve got, and licensing checks must now be supplemented by planning controls,” he said.
“The spread of short term lets has adversely affected community cohesion, has removed a substantial proportion of property from the private rental market, and has done nothing to enhance community safety and security.
“We have a housing crisis.
“There’s a lack of accommodation for young people, for incoming workers filling vacancies, and for key workers in health, education and social care.
“We need action on this.”
Cllr Gregson said additional council tax charges for second homes had produced some effect on that sector and speculated whether there should be increased charges on owners of multiple STLs and Airbnbs.
“The original idea, of people renting out part of their homes, has been swamped by a growth industry which is threatening the economic and social life of the Highlands,” he continued.
“I believe opinion has now shifted to accept the need for an STL control zone in Inverness and perhaps other areas affected.
“If the council supports it, then evidence-gathering, and the submission of a strong case to the Scottish Government will follow.
“I will certainly be pressing for progress as soon as possible.”
In the city’s Crown neighbourhood, community leaders have voiced their concerns about the rise in STL properties.
They maintain it is crowding out long-term residents and will lead to the area becoming soulless, result in a loss of community cohesion and impact on the local primary school’s roll which is predicted to drop by 25 per cent in the next six years.
Residents in Old Edinburgh Court, where several of the 24 apartments are now used as STLs, have spoken of safety and security concerns with strangers coming and going, unsocial behaviour and the changed nature of the building.
