Short-term let control zone proposed for Plockton

Plockton and District Community Trust is to consult locals over the plan

The community of a picturesque Highlands village is to be consulted over whether or not a control zone should be introduced for short-term lets.

Plockton and District Community Trust said it was concerned at the number of properties which sit empty for large parts of the year.

Introduction of a control zone would mean that planning permission would be required in order to change a home into a short-term let.

A similar scheme has already been set up in Badenoch and Strathspey.

Sandra Holmes, from the community trust, said about one third of the homes in Plockton were not lived in permanently.

She said the proposal was about striking a balance to ensure local services were retained and that homes were available for people to live in full-time.

If a control zone were to be set up in the area, it would not apply retrospectively to existing short-term lets.

The control would also need to be brought forward by Highland Council.