ASSC statement: Edinburgh Designated as Planning Control Area

Edinburgh will become Scotland’s first designated Short-Term Let Control Area after the Scottish Government approved the City of Edinburgh Council’s proposed change to planning requirements.

Further details can be found in the news release: Controlling short-term lets – gov.scot (www.gov.scot)

Fiona Campbell, Chief Executive of the Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers, said:

“The ASSC are extremely disappointed that the Scottish Government have chosen to approve City of Edinburgh Council’s proposed city-wide short-term let control area. Our members in the capital, who help to generate more than £70m each year, will be rightly concerned about what this means for their livelihood in what is already a challenging regulatory and economic environment.”

“Self-catering properties have been a longstanding presence in Edinburgh for decades, providing a vital source of alternative accommodation during major events. It is therefore somewhat ironic that this news comes in the same week that many Festival performers and visitors will be arriving in the city.”

“We believe that a city-wide control area is wholly disproportionate. As we have warned, the Council’s unevidenced plans are seriously deficient and will simply drive many small businesses to close without achieving their policy objective, as well as damaging Edinburgh’s position as a world leading Festival city.”

“It is with deep regret that a key component part of the Scottish tourism industry has once again been completely disregarded by policymakers. This move, coupled with the government’s onerous licensing scheme, has the potential to be absolutely devastating for our sector in Edinburgh.”