People from across North Ayrshire are being given an opportunity to give their views on new plans for short-term lets.

The planned policy is expected to be introduced later this year.

The short term let licensing scheme will apply to a wide range of accommodation including self-catered properties, B&Bs and guest houses as well as other temporary accommodation such as houses, flats and rented rooms.

The scheme is being introduced and brought in by the Scottish Government with the aim of ensuring short term lets are safe, while at the same time, attempting to address issues faced by neighbours and local communities.

Here in North Ayrshire, short-term let operators, residents, visitors and interested groups are being asked how licensing scheme should look like in the local area.

Locally, communities on Arran and Cumbrae are the most significantly impacted by the short-term let industry, as they are popular destinations for holiday accommodation, however this policy will have implications for short-term let properties across the area.

Chairperson of North Ayrshire Licensing Committee Eleanor Collier said: “Changes in legislation mean that all local authorities are required to open a licensing scheme for short term lets by October 1 this year.

“This will mean anyone who rents out accommodation is likely to be affected so I would urge them to have a look at our draft policy and let us know their views. We would appreciate and welcome all comments from operators, residents, visitors and interested groups during the consultation process.”

From October 1, new hosts and operators will need a licence and will not be permitted to take bookings or receive guests until they obtain a licence.

Existing hosts don’t need a licence immediately for premises they already let, but they will have to apply to the council before  April, 1, 2023. Once they do, they can continue operating until the council makes a decision to grant or refuse their applications.

North Ayrshire Council’s draft policy sets out its approach to the implementation of the Short-Term Let scheme. The consultation is available on the council website and runs until  noon on Friday, September 9.

You can view and comment on the draft policy at www.north-ayrshire.gov.uk/ShortTermLets