(c) Representations (Pages 393-398)
Perth and Kinross Council · 12 February 2024
Back to Local Review Body — 12 February 2024 and its agenda
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4(v)(c) LRB-2023-54 LRB-2023-54 23/01311/FLL – Change of use of flat to form short-term let accommodation unit, 4 Kirk View Apartments, Bonnethill Road, Pitlochry, PH16 5FP REPRESENTATIONS
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Dr Colin Walls (Objects) Comment submitted date: Fri 15 Sep 2023 Background: Kirk View Apartments consists of five flats. When these were first put on the market, each was priced at a level which could be classed as "affordable", and should therefore have increased the housing stock for those who wished to live and work in the town. However, only one of the flats is permanently lived in. The other four flats were purchased as "holiday homes" and are now used very infrequently, the majority of the time the flats are empty. Flat 4 is currently offered on Airbnb, which is always extremely short-term letting. Objection We object to this planning application in the strongest terms, because it provides no benefit to the town, and will actually be detrimental. We give our reasons for this in the following section Impact on the Town The town is currently short of staff in a number of key areas. This is not restricted to retail and hospitality, but also includes such vital areas as the medical centre, community hospital, pharmacies, the high school and theatre. At least part of these staffing issues is due to the scarcity and high cost of rental accommodation in the town. While those with cars can find accommodation outside the town, those who are reliant on public transport may not have this option, or may be restricted in the hours that they can work because of the public transport timetables. The application does not provide any redress for the above problem, in actuality it exacerbates it, since it brings more visitors into the town without providing accommodation for those who either do work here, or would like to work here. Penalising potential employers by restricting the availability of accommodation does nothing for the prosperity of the town, especially as these employers would provide skills development for the workforce in general and for younger people in particular. Data from other areas within the UK would indicate that short-term lets do little for local prosperity, firstly because those who take up such accommodation tend to bring what they need with them, rather than spending in the area and its surroundings. Secondly, there is a further reduction to income in the area if the rental properties are not locally owned. This planning application is being made by a company based in England. The short-term lets will be seasonal in nature, and will provide no income for the town out of season. Such short-term letting adds nothing to the prosperity of the town. What is required is long-term letting, preferably for a minimum term that covers the tourist season.
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