Short Term Let (STL) Applications

Creative Earth specializes in preparing and submitting Short Term Let planning applications to Councils in Scotland, including changes of use, certificates of lawfulness, and appeals. 

If you have a property or a client who wishes to convert a residential property or commercial unit into a short term let (STL) in Scotland, we can help you navigate the increasingly complicated policy and regulatory environment which varies by Council area to submit a planning application that presents your case on its best merits and addresses and mitigates Council concerns to secure approval.  

We have experience working in the following Council areas:

• North Lanarkshire
• South Lanarkshire
• Glasgow
• Edinburgh
• West Lothian
• Mid Lothian
• East Lothian
• Fife

Background on STLs

Short term lets are a growing market sector and use class which provide owners with an excellent opportunity to monetize their surplus properties; however, to convert an existing property into an STL in Scotland it is necessary to apply for a change of use (CoU), certificate of lawfulness (CoL), or both.

With growing interest in STLs from owners, there is increased scrutiny from Councils in Scotland, particularly in the Central Belt, on granting changes of use and certificates of lawfulness. 

A Change of Use requires both an economic and housing justification as to how to proposed STL would benefit the local economy, including tourism, as well as proof that it will not negatively impact housing availability in the community, given the general Housing Emergency declared by the Scottish Government, as well as specific Council areas.    

A Certificates of Lawfulness is usually sought by those who have been operating an STL where planning permission is presumed not to be required, but which now should seek to be deemed lawful under current STL regulations in the relevant Council area.

If you wish to convert your property or legalize your STL, Creative Earth will prepare your STL application and coordinate the supporting documentation for you as a part of our service. 

What we will need from you:

• Proof of title/deed
• Odinance survey map with redline property boundary
• Floorplans
• Property photos
• Economic Statement*
• Supporting information re. internal alterations**, management policies, proposed occupancy, etc. (as needed)

*We can coordinate quotes for economic statements if the client does not wish to prepare this themselves.

**We can also coordinate an architect for your STL project, as needed)

Contact us today to discuss your STL dream, or those of your clients, and request a free fee quote. 

Thanks you for considering us for your STL planning needs!