Have your say on Short-term Let Control Areas in Fife

We're inviting residents to share their views on short-term lets and the potential designation of Short-term Let Control Areas within Fife.

This consultation aims to gather public opinion on the principle of implementing control areas within which short term lets would need planning permission.

In April 2021, new legislation was introduced allowing councils in Scotland to designate all or part of their area as a short-term let control area. Any areas proposed must receive approval from the Scottish Government.

Should a Short-term Let Control Area be approved, property owners who let out properties that are not their principal homes on a short-term basis would need to apply for 'change of use' approval through the planning application process. This requirement would apply only to new changes of use and would not be applied retrospectively.

It is important to note that this measure does not constitute a blanket ban on short-term lets. Instead, it ensures that changes of use to secondary short-term lets are regulated under planning laws, allowing decisions to be made in accordance with the council’s local development plan and other relevant considerations.

Your feedback is crucial in shaping the decision on whether to designate any short-term let control areas in Fife.

Cllr Altany Craik, Fife Council Spokesperson – Finance, Economy and Strategic Planning, said: "Tourism is vital to our local economy, but it's equally important to balance this with the needs of our residents. Short-term lets can provide valuable accommodation options for visitors, yet they must be managed in a way that supports the community's long-term sustainability.

“We need your views to ensure we strike the right balance and make informed decisions that benefit everyone."

Residents are encouraged to participate in the online survey to provide their views on this important issue. The survey closes on 8 September 2025. Your input will help inform the Council's decision-making process.

For more information on short-term lets and planning, and to complete the survey, please visit Short Term Let Control Areas - Fife Council - Citizen Space