Views sought on Perth and Kinross short-term let control area

Councillors agreed in May 2025 to proceed with the notice of a proposal for the designation of a short-term let control area for Highland Perthshire and the northern part of Eastern Perthshire.

A proposal for the control area has now been brought forward, on which the public is being encouraged to have their say.

Highland and the northern part of Eastern Perthshire have higher concentrations of holiday rentals than other parts of Perth and Kinross. This can reduce the availability of long-term rental housing and drive property prices up, making it harder for local residents to find homes.

The control area proposal would help strike a balance between the provision of homes for local people and allowing the valued tourism industry in the area to continue to flourish.

If the proposal goes ahead, and gets approval from the Scottish Government, it will mean anyone wishing to turn a house into a new holiday let in control area would require planning permission before doing so.

This would bring these types of properties into line with flats and apartments, which already require planning permission before conversion into holiday lets.

Perth and Kinross Council leader, Councillor Eric Drysdale, said: “Introducing a control area would give the public and elected members a say on whether a new holiday let is appropriate for a particular area.

“It won’t ban new holiday lets from coming on to the market but will ensure the impact on public services, noise and character of a neighbourhood is considered before any decision is taken.

“Tourism is a very important industry for Perth and Kinross and we want to make sure it operates in a sustainable way for the benefit of residents and visitors alike.

“If staff cannot afford to live and work in areas popular with tourists then, inevitably, tourism will suffer.

“We are keen to hear from as many people as possible regarding this proposal so Councillors can make an informed decision based on what residents and businesses think.”

The City of Edinburgh Council has a control area covering the whole council area, while Highland Council has a control area covering Badenoch and Strathspey.

You can have a say on proposals for Perth and Kinross until 19 December.