A seemingly popular Perth holiday let, advertised as “luxurious” and commanding nightly rates of £140, has ceased operations after an investigation by Perth and Kinross Council. The two-bedroom flat in Morris Court became the subject of enforcement proceedings when it came to the council’s attention that the property, lacking the necessary planning permission, was being used for short-term rentals.
This incident underscores the increasing scrutiny faced by holiday lets in Perth and Kinross, particularly as the popularity of platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com continues to rise. Local residents have often voiced concerns regarding the potential impact of short-term lets on the availability of long-term housing, as well as issues related to noise and community disruption. Morris Court, located within a residential area, is likely no exception to these concerns. Swift Action Prevents Further Measures
While the council found that the Morris Court flat’s use as a holiday let did constitute a planning breach, they ultimately decided against further enforcement action due to the owner’s quick response. The owner promptly removed the property listing from all online booking platforms, effectively halting the unauthorized short-term rental activity. This rapid action likely saved the owner from potential fines or other penalties. The council’s decision to close the enforcement case demonstrates a pragmatic approach, prioritizing compliance over punitive measures. Glowing Reviews Highlight Lost Opportunity?
Ironically, despite the planning issue, the Morris Court holiday let seemed to be highly regarded by its guests. Booking.com archives reveal an average rating of 8.9 out of 10 from 16 reviews posted between March and September 2024. One guest, identified as James from the UK, even awarded the apartment a perfect 10, describing it as “very stylish, very modern, very clean and fresh.” He also praised the location, parking, and spaciousness of the flat, remarking that it had “everything you need for one night to a weekend away.” These positive reviews raise questions about the balance between meeting local housing needs and supporting tourism in Perth. With the city’s efforts to attract visitors and boost its economy, the loss of well-received accommodation like the Morris Court flat might represent a missed opportunity. This situation could prompt discussions about streamlining the planning application process for holiday lets, perhaps making it easier for property owners to operate within the regulations while contributing to the local tourism sector. Further exploration might involve examining whether similar properties in Morris Court or the surrounding area are being used as holiday lets without proper authorization, and if so, what steps the council is taking to ensure consistent application of planning regulations.
The incident also highlights the challenges faced by local authorities in monitoring and regulating the rapidly expanding short-term rental market. With numerous online platforms and properties frequently changing hands, ensuring compliance with planning regulations requires ongoing vigilance and proactive engagement with property owners and agents.
This incident underscores the increasing scrutiny faced by holiday lets in Perth and Kinross, particularly as the popularity of platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com continues to rise. Local residents have often voiced concerns regarding the potential impact of short-term lets on the availability of long-term housing, as well as issues related to noise and community disruption. Morris Court, located within a residential area, is likely no exception to these concerns. Swift Action Prevents Further Measures
While the council found that the Morris Court flat’s use as a holiday let did constitute a planning breach, they ultimately decided against further enforcement action due to the owner’s quick response. The owner promptly removed the property listing from all online booking platforms, effectively halting the unauthorized short-term rental activity. This rapid action likely saved the owner from potential fines or other penalties. The council’s decision to close the enforcement case demonstrates a pragmatic approach, prioritizing compliance over punitive measures. Glowing Reviews Highlight Lost Opportunity?
Ironically, despite the planning issue, the Morris Court holiday let seemed to be highly regarded by its guests. Booking.com archives reveal an average rating of 8.9 out of 10 from 16 reviews posted between March and September 2024. One guest, identified as James from the UK, even awarded the apartment a perfect 10, describing it as “very stylish, very modern, very clean and fresh.” He also praised the location, parking, and spaciousness of the flat, remarking that it had “everything you need for one night to a weekend away.” These positive reviews raise questions about the balance between meeting local housing needs and supporting tourism in Perth. With the city’s efforts to attract visitors and boost its economy, the loss of well-received accommodation like the Morris Court flat might represent a missed opportunity. This situation could prompt discussions about streamlining the planning application process for holiday lets, perhaps making it easier for property owners to operate within the regulations while contributing to the local tourism sector. Further exploration might involve examining whether similar properties in Morris Court or the surrounding area are being used as holiday lets without proper authorization, and if so, what steps the council is taking to ensure consistent application of planning regulations.
The incident also highlights the challenges faced by local authorities in monitoring and regulating the rapidly expanding short-term rental market. With numerous online platforms and properties frequently changing hands, ensuring compliance with planning regulations requires ongoing vigilance and proactive engagement with property owners and agents.