Wester Ross, Strathpeffer and Lochalsh Committee backs plans for a Highland Rural Short-Term Let Control Area and approves £126,861 in regeneration funding.
A crucial step to address rural housing pressures in the Highlands was taken today, as the Wester Ross, Strathpeffer and Lochalsh Area Committee voted to recommend the area’s inclusion in a new Highland Rural Short Term Let Control Area (STLCA).
Alongside this planning recommendation, the Committee also unlocked over £126,000 in Community Regeneration Funds to support eco-housing, community facilities and local infrastructure.
Short Term Let Control Area
Following a six-week public consultation held in May and June 2026, feedback presented to the Committee revealed a narrow overall majority in favour of introducing the control area within Wester Ross, Strathpeffer and Lochalsh, with the aim of striking a better balance between tourism growth and local housing need. Of the 98 respondents living in the Wester Ross, Strathpeffer and Lochalsh area, 51% (50 respondents) supported the proposal, while 41% (40 respondents) opposed it. Support was noted to be strongest among residents and businesses. Further Local Area Committees within the proposal will consider the outcomes of the consultation in due course.
The recommendation will now be passed to The Highland Council’s Economy and Infrastructure Committee, which will make a final decision later this year on whether to submit the Highland Rural Short Term Let Control Area to Scottish Ministers for their consideration, once the outcome of all Local Area Committees within the proposal are known.
Within a designated control area, planning permission is mandatorily required before a residential home can undergo a future change of use to a secondary short-term let, though it does not introduce a ban on short-term lets, or affect second homes, empty properties, or purpose-built holiday accommodation.
Co-chair of the Wester Ross, Strathpeffer and Lochalsh Area Committee, Councillor Liz Kraft commented on the decision: “Our communities have issued repeated concerns that the growth in the short term lets is affecting the availability of housing for people who want to live permanently in a place. It is important that we consider any steps that could potentially ease the pressures on the local housing market and which would allow more people to live and work in our communities.”
Community Regeneration Funding
In addition to the STLCA decision, Members approved three applications to the Community Regeneration Fund (CRF), awarding a total of £126,861 to projects that will enhance community facilities, and seek to strengthen local infrastructure for local communities and visitors across Wester Ross, Strathpeffer & Lochalsh.
Projects approved funding requests are:
- Plockton Village Hall will receive £21,480 towards installing insulation throughout their building to reduce heat loss and improve energy efficiency.
- Kyle and Lochalsh Community Trust have been awarded £85,381 to employ a Development Officer for 18 months alongside covering consultant fees to develop designs and planning for their proposed micro-eco village near Ratagan on Loch Duich.
- £20,000 has been allocated for Highland Council’s amenity service to undertake a feasibility study, options appraisal and business case for reintroducing public toilet facilities within Achnasheen, as a response to community feedback over the loss of the facility.
Ward Discretionary Budget
Furthermore, the Committee noted the successful approval of 11 grassroots projects through the Ward Discretionary Budget. Beneficiaries of these smaller grants include the Kinlochshiel Shinty and Community Sports Club (£1,000 for women’s team equipment), Peffery Way Association (£1,275 for an outdoor bike repair station), and Gairloch Museum (£1,000 to create a 4.5km outdoor geological timeline).
Updates were also delivered on:
- Police Scotland Performance
- Housing repairs
- Environmental Health
- Bereavement services
The full Area Committee agenda and reports can be viewed on The Highland Council website.