A Highland Council committee has backed plans for a new Rural Short Term Let Control Area in a move aimed at easing housing pressures across parts of the north and west Highlands.

The Wester Ross, Strathpeffer and Lochalsh Area Committee voted to recommend the area’s inclusion in the proposed control area following a six week public consultation.

The consultation found a narrow majority of respondents in the area supported the proposal, with 51 per cent in favour and 41 per cent opposed.

If ultimately approved, anyone wishing to change a residential property into a secondary short term let within the designated area would require planning permission.

The proposal does not introduce a ban on short term lets and would not affect second homes, empty properties or purpose built holiday accommodation.

The recommendation will now be considered by Highland Council’s Economy and Infrastructure Committee before any proposal is submitted to Scottish Ministers later this year.

Co chair of the Wester Ross, Strathpeffer and Lochalsh Area Committee, Councillor Liz Kraft, said:

“Our communities have issued repeated concerns that the growth in the short term lets is affecting the availability of housing for people who want to live permanently in a place.

“It is important that we consider any steps that could potentially ease the pressures on the local housing market and which would allow more people to live and work in our communities.”

Alongside the housing recommendation, councillors approved £126,861 from the Community Regeneration Fund for three local projects.

Plockton Village Hall will receive £21,480 to improve insulation and energy efficiency, while Kyle and Lochalsh Community Trust has been awarded £85,381 to employ a Development Officer and progress plans for a proposed micro eco village near Ratagan on Loch Duich.

A further £20,000 has been allocated to allow Highland Council to carry out a feasibility study into reintroducing public toilets in Achnasheen following community concerns over the loss of the facility.

The committee also noted the approval of 11 grassroots projects through the Ward Discretionary Budget, supporting initiatives including Kinlochshiel Shinty and Community Sports Club, the Peffery Way Association and Gairloch Museum.

Members also received updates covering Police Scotland performance, housing repairs, environmental health and bereavement services.