A council will consider restrictions on Airbnb-style short lets in the New Year.

A report in the Inverness Courier says Highland council has found the rise in short-term lets in the city has reduced the availability of longer term rental property, and affected affordability.

A special council committee meeting in January will focus on short-term lets, which the paper says has previously been an issue largely confined to rural Highland areas.

According to Labour Inverness Central councillor Michael Gregson, investigations by council officers will be discussed at the meeting.

He says: “The report for the meeting sets out in stark clarity the case for at least one short lets control area.

“The facts are the rapid rise in short-term lets in some areas has had a negative effect on the availability of residential accommodation. There is less affordable property. Rising numbers of property sales are by those outwith the local area.”

He wants the council to “seriously consider a short-term lets control area for the city centre, and perhaps neighbouring city wards as well.”

Scotland has mandatory short lets licensing requiring all operators – holiday lets, B&Bs, rooms in homes, and full property short lets – to get a license from their local council.

Landlords or agents acting for them are expected to meet appropriate safety standards (fire, gas, electrical, water), have valid insurance, and planning permission if appropriate.

Councils can create control areas to limit short lets numbers in high-demand zones.