Objector’s plea to put limit on shortterm lets

A PERTHSHIRE objector fears the growing number of holiday lets in her area could sound the death knell of her community.

She suggested councils and the government had “made it too easy to manipulate loopholes in their legislation”.

The comments were made as Perth and Kinross Council’s licensing committee met to examine a short-term let licensing application for a Blairgowrie property.

Councillors were asked to consider a threeyear licence for a onebedroomed detached house on George Street. The application received three letters of objection.

Joyce Hunter, who attended the committee, said her community was being “gradually eroded” by the growing number of short-term lets.

The Blairgowrie resident said: “I feel quite strongly about the usage of dwelling houses as short-term lets when there is such a chronic shortage of housing in the country.

“I’ve seen the damage it’s done in other parts of Scotland – stripping out communities – but never thought Blairgowrie would have this problem.

“I live in the middle of the old part of town and there will be approximately 12 short-term lets within a few hundred metres of my home if this one is given the go-ahead. There needs to be a quota or a much stricter decision-making process by the council. This property could be a long-term tenancy instead of a short-term let giving somebody a home.”

She later added: “I just feel that the old town of Blairgowrie is being gradually eroded.

“I value my community greatly but the council doesn’t seem to see its worth.”

After a brief recess, councillors voted by six votes to five to approve the application.

It was granted subject to additional conditions of a 10pm curfew on music and outside gatherings, the applicant’s and agent’s contact details being shared with neighbours, and the rear gate being locked at all times to prevent access to a shared path.