Short Term Let Control Areas

Overview

Short-term Let Control Area Questionnaire

Fife Council are seeking your views on short-term lets and the principle of designating short-term let control area(s) in Fife.

In April 2021, government introduced laws which allow councils in Scotland to designate all or part of their area as a short-term let control area. If councils choose to do this, they must get approval from Scottish Government.

If a short-term let control area is approved by the Council and by Scottish Government, a property owner who is letting out a property (which is not their principal home) on a short-term let basis would have to apply for ‘change of use’ approval through the planning application process. This will only apply to a proposed ‘change of use’ and does not apply retrospectively.

This does not mean a blanket ban or moratorium on short-term lets.  It would mean that the change of use to secondary short-term lets would be controlled under planning regulations. This allows decisions to be taken in line with the council’s local development plan and other material considerations.

Further details of short term lets and planning are available here

Why your views matter

Your responses will help to inform the decision on the principle of designating any short-term let control area(s) in Fife. While it is the Council’s decision whether to propose the designation of a control area, it must be approved by Scottish Ministers.