Moray Council to consider short-term lets controls on ‘high-demand’ areas

New analysis shows that Speyside Glenlivet has more than three times the proportion of short-term lets compared to the Moray average.

The news comes as councillors voted to back a plan to consider short term let controls, amid a national “housing emergency”.

A motion, agreed during today’s Planning and Regulatory Services Committee, asked officers to draw up a report on the issue.

Proposed by Councillor Jérémie Fernandes (Elgin North, SNP) and seconded by Councillor Theresa Coull (Keith and Cullen, SNP), the motion states that Speyside and coastal areas are home to the majority of Moray’s short-term lets.

Analysis by The Northern Scot has shown that for every 100 residents in Speyside Glenlivet, there are short-term lets to house 14 people.

That is more than double rate in Keith and Cullen, Moray’s next-highest ward, and more than three times the average across the rest of Moray.

According to Cllr Fernandes, the feasibility report will be drawn up on whether to control the number of short-term lets in “high-demand” areas.

The report will also consider the potential impact of control zones and help determine how they could be implemented effectively in Moray.

If adopted, the zones would require property owners in designated areas to apply for planning permission to use their homes as short-term lets.

Cllr Fernandes said: “In certain areas of Moray, particularly those in high demand, local people are struggling to afford rents, and short-term lets are part of the issue.

“It’s vital that we base any decisions on solid data so we can address these challenges effectively.

"While Moray hasn’t yet reached the acute levels of housing pressure seen in other parts of Scotland, we can’t sleepwalk into a local housing emergency.

“We must use all the tools at our disposal to prevent a potential housing crisis and protect our communities.

"This report will give us a clearer picture of the situation, helping us identify practical steps to support both local residents and the tourism sector."

Cllr Coull said: "Tourism is an essential part of our economy, but it shouldn’t come at the expense of young families and key workers who are struggling to find homes.

“These residents are vital to our local economy and communities, bringing year-round benefits that short-term lets alone can’t provide.

"We must ensure that Moray remains a place where people want to live, work, and raise their families, while still welcoming visitors to enjoy everything our region has to offer.

"I look forward to reviewing the findings of the study so we can make informed decisions and take action where it’s needed."