A scheme to regulate Airbnbs and other short term lets has been branded an unnecessary solution to an ‘Edinburgh problem’.
David Mitchell, East Ayrshire Council’s top legal officer, said that the scheme was brought into effect to deal with an issue with short term lets in the capital, particularly around the Edinburgh Festival.
He told the council’s licensing panel that there was ‘consternation’ with the approach across the country, as the Scottish Government had chosen to make the legislation mandatory, rather than optional.
Mr Mitchell said the scheme brought in to ensure that short term lets are safe, issues faced by neighbours can be addressed and that economic and tourist benefits of short term lets are balanced with the needs of the community.
He said: “Problems may exist in other parts of the country, but there is no evidence that it exists in East Ayrshire, in terms of numbers of lets, contribution to any housing shortfall or increased antisocial behaviour.
“Without over-egging the pudding , this isn’t something that is an issue locally.”
A consultation was carried out ahead of the proposals being brought to the panel on Tuesday. The main objection came from the Association of Scotland’s Self Caterers, who have argued that there is no need for any of the new legislation.
Mr Mitchell said: “It is hard not to have sympathy with them. The representation reflects a fundamental view that there is no need for a licensing regime.
“Whether you agree with that or not, we have no option.”
He continued: “The big picture, through past experience, is that the operation of these lets doesn’t generate very many complaints, even on the anti-social behaviour side or in the impact on housing.
“We must put in place a policy that is fit for purpose. The ASSC say this is over-regulation. But there is no point having licensing with no teeth, no conditions.”
Mr Mitchell pointed out that there was an incomplete picture of the number of short term lets in East Ayrshire, which the new scheme would help fill in.
He added that the scheme would give the council the tools to deal with any potential issues in future.
“It was asked, ‘would the council have officers checking all Airbnbs have two parking spaces?’.
“Of course not, you wouldn’t expect that and I wouldn’t waste council resources having folk out counting car parking spaces.
“If we got a complaint then, without having to involve the full anti-social behaviour legislation, we would have a proportionate and ready solution.”
The legislation comes into effect on Saturday, October 1. Those short term lets already operating can keep operating while applying for a licence, up until April 2023.
New lets will require a licence before they can operate.
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