BUSINESSES across Inverclyde are being reminded they have just a few weeks to apply for the Scottish Government’s short-term let licensing scheme.

The legislation was developed by the Scottish Government in response to concerns raised by residents and communities about the impact of short-terms on their local communities, including noise, anti-social behaviour and the impact on the supply of housing in some areas.

It's estimated there are around 100 short-term let operators in Inverclyde and the local authority is urging those who have not yet applied to the licensing scheme to do so soon before the October 1 deadline.

In a bid to encourage businesses to apply and speed up the process, it has agreed to accept and register for consideration short-term let applications, pending an application for planning permission.

This is an amendment to previous rules.

Businesses who have been running short-term lets from before October 2022 are subject to transitional arrangements.

Providing a valid short-term let application is submitted by 1 October 2023, they can continue operating while their short-term let application is being considered.

Existing operators who started trading after October 2022 do not qualify for the transitional arrangements.

New short-term letting operators can only begin trading once they receive a full licence.

To make enquiries about the scheme and access an application form, see the council website  or email licensing.section@inverclyde.gov.uk