Council chiefs urged to use their powers to stop spread of holiday homes.

Council urged to use new powers over property use

Council chiefs in Fife have been urged to use new powers to stop the rapid spread of holiday homes which some claim are ruining parts of the region.

New planning legislation passed last week will give local authorities the chance to introduce “control” areas where planning permission will always be required if owners want to change the use of their property to short-term lets.

Now campaigners in the East Neuk and parts of north-east Fife have called on Fife Council to take full advantage of these new tools to try and curb the number of properties lying empty in attractive areas.

Figures produced last year suggested Elie and Earlsferry was one of the worsthit areas in Fife for holiday homes, with only 264 out of 830 housing units said

It has driven up prices, reducing housing availability for permanent residents and helping to price many locals out of the housing market. COUNCILLOR LINDA HOLT

to be permanently occupied. With residents there fearing schools, doctors’ surgeries and shops could be at risk unless the village attracts more families on a permanent basis, East Neuk and Landward Tory councillor Linda Holt has called on Fife Council to consider making St Andrews and East Neuk designated “control” areas.

“The market for second homes and holiday letting in St Andrews and the East Neuk has had negative impacts, she said.

“It has driven up prices, reducing housing availability for permanent residents and helping to price many locals out of the housing market altogether. It also undermines the health and vibrancy of communities as it leads to depopulation and a decline in local services and amenities, if they do not serve holidaymakers.

“I will be urging the administration at Fife Council to designate both St Andrews and the East Neuk as control areas.”

Labour councillor and strategic convener Altany Craik hinted no action was imminent, but confirmed officers were looking at the issue.

Councillor Altany Craik confirmed officers were looking at the issue.