Guidance Archives - Page 27 of 33

The Town and Country Planning (Short-term Let Control Areas) (Scotland) Regulations 2021 SSI Approved

Posted on February 24, 2021 by Fiona Campbell

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.

Na h-Eileanan Siar

Posted on January 29, 2021 by Fiona Campbell

Due to an increase in prevalence of COVID-19 and an increase in infection rates Na h-Eileanan Siar will move to Level 4 from 00.01 Saturday.

New cases following a previous rise – including a community outbreak on Barra – have placed a significant strain on hospital capacity in the Western Isles Health Board area and the hospital on Stornoway is now reaching full capacity within available staffing resources. Some non-urgent procedures will be rescheduled but the hospital will maintain a full emergency service.

Clinical advice is that the move to lockdown is necessary to avoid the NHS becoming overwhelmed.

Nobody who lives in an area under lockdown should leave or remain outside their home except for an essential purpose like caring responsibilities, outdoor exercise and work that cannot be done from home.

Business Support

In addition to the UK furlough scheme, all businesses that require to close, at any level, are eligible for a four weekly grant of £2,000 or £3,000, depending on rateable value. Grants of £1,400 or £2,100 are available to businesses that are open, but subject to trading restrictions.

There is further information at https://findbusinesssupport.gov.scot/service/funding/strategic-framework-business-fund

Further Information

Link to today’s news release https://www.gov.scot/news/western-isles-in-lockdown/

Read the Stay at Home Guidance https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-stay-at-home-guidance/

Link to COVID-19 protection levels https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-protection-levels/

Exclusive Use Venues

Posted on January 21, 2021January 21, 2021 by Fiona Campbell

“Exclusive use properties in Scotland provide accommodation solely for one customer or parties with a minimum let of one day. Normally, there is a minimum of three bedrooms, a residential licence or equivalent, and a full range of services for guests including all meals.”

According to the Scottish Assessors, Exclusive Use Venues are properties whose typical uses include a venue for weddings, conferences, corporate entertainment and private parties. The key criterion is that the property, or significant parts of it, is rented out to a single hirer at any one time.

Properties may provide facilities that range from purely a function venue, through to facilities that are similar to high quality hotels. The character of the property may range from function halls with little or no outlook, to marquees in scenic locations, grand rooms in historic homes and castles, to country houses and their associated estate. Some exclusive use venues will provide overnight accommodation either in the main building or in lodges at the property or a combination of both. This is the basis on which the rateable value of properties are valued by the Scottish Assessors.

This grant is reliant on the Exclusive Use Venue offering accommodation.

Properties used as short stay accommodation only, such as self-catering units (Commercial Properties Committee Practice Note 17), should not be valued as Exclusive Use Venues. Properties let out on a per room basis akin to hotels should be valued on the Hotel basis (Commercial Properties Committee Practice Note 20).