Council / Short term let licence approved by councillors amid noise concerns
A SHORT term let licence application which drew objections from neighbours has been approved by councillors.
The objections came from people living below the property on Commercial Road in Lerwick.
They said noise travels easily from the flat above, and added that an increase in different occupants could lead to “increased disturbance”.
They also raised concern over potential for outside noise in the property’s garden area, and parking space.
However at a meeting of Shetland Islands Council’s licensing committee on Monday morning at Lerwick Town Hall councillors approved the application.
The application only came in front of the committee because it received representations from the public.
Stuart Fox, acting as an agent for the applicant, said the property in question currently houses agency staff working in social care for the council.
He said the plan was to continue operating the property as such, and not to run it as an “AirBnb or holiday let” – but Fox said legislation requires a short-term licence.
Environmental health team leader Louise Moar meanwhile said noise complaints from short term let properties in Shetland only happens on “rare occasions”.
Shetland West councillor Liz Peterson had questioned if it is expected that people in short term let accommodation make more noise than those in long term or permanent accommodation.
She said she would expect people to be making the same level of noise regardless of their accommodation status.
Shetland Central member Moraig Lyall said people in short term lets are often on holiday and may be staying up later at night.
But she said issues with noise experienced in places like cities do not seem to be replicated in Shetland.
Become a member of Shetland News
Shetland News is asking its readers to consider paying for membership to get additional perks:
- Removal of third-party ads;
- Bookmark posts to read later;
- Exclusive curated weekly newsletter;
- Hide membership messages;
- Comments open for discussion.
If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a member of Shetland News by either making a single payment, or setting up a monthly, quarterly or yearly subscription.
Already a member? Sign in to hide this message.
