At today’s Decision Time, and as expected, MSPs voted to approve the planning SSI on short-term let control zones by 107 votes to 8.
Prior to the vote, Andy Wightman MSP spoke against the SSI arguing that he fundamentally disagreed with the need for ministerial approval in terms of the creation of control zones. In his response, the Minister for Local Government, Housing and Planning Kevin Stewart explained the policy rationale behind control zones and how they would operate in practice. He believed it was necessary that ministers had a role through the approval process to ensure that the proposed control zone within a local council area was justified and followed correct procedures. The Minister added that the approval process would not be onerous and that the policy overall was supported by parties across the chamber.
Ministerial sign-off ensures that a Local Authority must conduct a consultation and evidence the need for a Planning Control Zone prior to implementation. This was specifically written into the Planning (Scotland) Act 2019. The Short-Term Let Working Group will develop guidance on this.