In a measure to help maintain the availability of long-term residential housing, Edinburgh Council will bring in changes to planning rules from October.

Edinburgh will become Scotland’s first designated short-term let control area after the Scottish government approved proposed changes to planning requirements. Currently Edinburgh accounts for a third of all short-term let accommodation in Scotland.

The changes are intended to preserve the character of Scottish neighbourhoods, prevent short-term lets in inappropriate places or types of building, and ensure homes are being used for local residents.