Short-term let control area to be established

In a council U-turn, Perth and Kinross councillors have voted to begin the process of creating Scotland's third short-term let control area.

- KATHRYN ANDERSON

In August 2024 Perth and Kinross Council’s (PKC) Economy and Infrastructure Committee voted against introducing a planning control area for Highland and North Eastern Perthshire.

But on Wednesday, May 7 the proposal was once again recommended for approval and was this time put before all elected members for consideration, rather than just those on the relevant committee.

Previously it was rejected by a single vote. This time - with all councillors able to vote (except Provost McDade who declared a financial interest and Cllr Frank Smith who was absent) - it was voted through by 24 votes to 14.

One Labour, four Liberal Democrat, two Independent and all 17 SNP councillors voted to start the process of creating a short-term let (STL) control area in Highland Perthshire and North Eastern Perthshire.

Twelve Conservative councillors, Liberal Democrat councillor Willie Robertson and Independent (former Conservative) councillor Colin Stewart voted against it.

Last year Liberal Democrat councillor Claire McLaren voted against the proposal. On Wednesday, the Strathtay ward councillor voted in support of the proposal.

At Wednesday’s meeting, Conservative councillor Angus Forbes asked why councillors were being asked again to vote on the proposal.

Depute provost Andrew Parrott said: "My understanding is we are perfectly entitled to bring the matter - after a six-month period - so that is what we are doing and it is perfectly proper to bring it to full council so that is what we are doing."

Cllr Forbes questioned if it was "because the political arithmetic is better for the administration at this meeting".