Do I need planning permission for a short-term let?
Short-term lets: planning guidance for hosts and operators
West Lothian Council does not currently have any designated short-term let control areas but this is currently under review and, if any are intended, will be subject to the necessary consultations. Any proposed change of use to a short-term let would need to be considered on a case by case basis.
The Town and Country Planning (Short-term Let Control Areas) (Scotland) Regulations 2021 (opens new window) came into force on 1 April 2021. These Regulations enable planning authorities to designate short-term let control areas. Planning Circular 1/2021: Establishing a Short-Term Let Control Area (opens new window) explains the process in detail. Within short-term let control areas, planning permission would usually be required for using a house or other structure for short-term lets.
Further planning guidance on this matter can be found at the following link : Short term lets: planning guidance for hosts and operators (opens new window)
Short-term let licensing scheme
In addition to planning requirements, West Lothian Council will establish a short-term lets licensing scheme in 2022. More information is available on our short-term lets licensing scheme webpage.
What to do if you think a short-term let is being operated without planning permission
If you have reason to believe that a short-term let requires planning permission and this has not been obtained, you can report this to the Council's Planning Enforcement Team by visiting our planning enforcement page and reporting a breach on-line.
