The definition of a short term let is complicated and the term encompasses different types of letting. Where an entire home is let out to guests for short stays, and this is being done on a permanent basis, it is known as secondary letting. These properties are often referred to as AirBnBs but may be advertised on other booking platforms as well.
The view of the Association is that permanent short term letting in a flat which shares a common entry and stairwell with other flats is not appropriate. Short term letting is very different from long term residency and the experience in our flatted estates is that neighbours can be significantly affected. The Fort Residents Association started raising concerns with South Ayrshire Council in 2017, and the Fort, Seafield and Wallacetown Community Association has carried on this work. We have the full support of our Community Council on this issue, and we have welcomed the support of Councillors Bob Shields and George Weir.
Where a short term let is an entire flatted property which was originally residential, this is likely to be considered as a change of use requiring planning permission, although decisions are made on a case by case basis.
When the new legislation was introduced, South Ayrshire Council permitted all pre-existing short term lets to proceed directly to Licensing. However, any new flatted short term lets from now on are likely to require planning permission before they can be licensed.
We have serious concerns that if left unchecked, the number of short term lets in our area will continue to grow, therefore this Community Association will submit an objection to any new short term let planning application in our flatted estates.
If you are an Association member and you have concerns about a new short term let planning application in your neighbourhood, then please contact us for advice. We can assist you with a template objection form which includes the issues which are likely to be “material considerations” in the planning decision.
All short term lets must have a licence which is issued by South Ayrshire Council. Licences are normally granted for a period of three years, however the council has the power to suspend or revoke a licence at any time.
The Association submitted objections to all the short term let licences in our flatted estates, and attended several hearings. However, so far, all of the licences heard at panel hearings have been approved.
It is our view that neighbours should not be affected by a short term let any more than if the property is being occupied by long term residents. Therefore, it is important to make sure that any problems are reported as follows:
