Economy and Infrastructure Committee to consider next steps on proposed Short Term Let Control Areas

23rd September 2026

Members of The Highland Council's Economy and Infrastructure Committee will meet next Monday (28 September 2026) to consider whether to progress proposals for new Short Term Let Control Areas across parts of Highland.

At the special meeting, councillors will be asked to consider the findings of a public consultation on proposed control areas covering Inverness City and a wider Highland Rural area, before deciding whether the proposals should be submitted to Scottish Ministers for approval.

Councillor Ken Gowans, Chair of the Economy and Infrastructure Committee, said: "Providing people with access to suitable and affordable housing remains one of the key challenges facing communities across Highland. It is widely recognised we need to address depopulation and improve the availability and affordability of permanent accommodation in the areas identified by councillors across Highland in the Area Committees.

"The committee will carefully consider the consultation findings, the views expressed by communities and businesses, the recommendations from local area committees, and the evidence presented in the report before making a decision on the next steps."

The proposals follow a consultation carried out between May and June this year, which sought views from residents, businesses, community organisations and short term let operators. Responses highlighted a range of views, with many residents supporting the proposals as a way of helping address housing pressures and support community sustainability, while many short term let operators raised concerns about the potential implications of the proposals.

The committee will consider consultation feedback, recommendations from local area committees and the evidence presented before reaching a decision on whether to progress the proposed Inverness City and Highland Rural Short Term Let Control Areas to the next stage of the process.

If approved by committee, the proposed designations would be submitted to Scottish Ministers for consideration and approval before any control areas could be introduced.

The meeting will be webcast live via The Highland Council website.

Link to report - https://www.highland.gov.uk/meetings/meeting/5410/economy-and-infrastructure-committee