Priority should be on "building", not short term lets, say business alliance

The Argyll and Bute Business Alliance (ABA) made the call, after concerns that short-term lets (STLs) were being blamed for the housing emergency announced in 2023.

 

The ABA was set up in 2024 in response to proposals for a visitor levy in Argyll and Bute – the volunteer-focused organisation represents a number of small business owners across the region.

 

Colin Wright, from the ABA, argued that STLs provide an important part of the economic contribution to Argyll and Bute and that many of the properties are not suitable for year-round living including – pods, huts and bothies.

 

He said: “While STLs may be a convenient scape-goat for some, significantly more affordable house building is the only real solution, and urgently requires proper Government funding for Argyll and Bute.

 

“Some believe that there is a need to reduce the number of STLs, including the Council which has floated the idea of a control zone.

 

“While some may celebrate this, it means fewer places for tourists to stay, and less money coming into the local economy, with no real impact on housing availability.”

 

STLs are required by law to apply for a licence to operate – this includes properties such as tents, shared homes, treehouses and huts.

 

According to the latest council data, there are 2,949 short term lets in Argyll and Bute, with 1,480 across the two Oban council wards.

 

Mr Wright claims that there are a number of causes to the housing crisis, including a collapse in house building, inflated building costs and a lack of new builds targeted for single occupancy.

 

He added: “Argyll and Bute has 4.7% of properties registered as empty; double the number compared with STLs; an important opportunity to turn these into local housing.”

 

Argyll and Bute Council have proposed a strategic housing plan for 2026 to 2027, which was presented to council in November.

 

The plan outlines the progress in tackling Argyll and Bute’s housing emergency, focusing on increasing housing supply, enhancing existing home spaces and buy back schemes.

 

No decision has been made on the implementation of a short-term let control zone (STLCZ) in Argyll and Bute.

 

A spokesperson for Argyll and Bute council added: “The Council is carefully considering all available data to inform future decisions – it is likely to be something the Council will consider at some point in the future.”

 

An STLCZ would likely mean any properties wishing to become short-term lets would require planning permission.

 

Area committees across The Highland Council have begun consulting on implementing a Short Term Let Control Zone (STLCZ) – including Skye and Raathsay and Lochaber.

 

An STLCZ is already in place for Badenoch and Strathspey, where the council has noted a “slight impact” on the number of new builds being available for short-term lets.