STL Solutions

18/09/2026

76 successful 10 Year COL applications — and counting. 🎉

Another milestone for STL Solutions, but more importantly, another reminder of what the right strategy can achieve.

Our approach isn’t simply about submitting applications. We work with business owners to understand their circumstances, build the strongest possible case and identify a clear route forward — helping established businesses secure the planning position they need to keep operating, protect their livelihoods and plan for the future with greater confidence.

With over 75 10-year Certificate of Lawfulness applications now granted, our strategies continue to deliver real results for our clients

Speak to STL Solutions today to find out how we can help protect the future of your business.

📩 Send us a message to discuss your circumstances.

16/09/2026

⚠ STL Solutions has become aware of an increase in licensing enforcement investigations across Scotland into unlicensed Short-Term Letting. ⚠

It is unclear if this reflects the adoption of a more aggressive enforcement policy by Local Authorities and Police Scotland or a greater degree of awareness and reporting by interested parties. We are also advised that Police Scotland are regularly charging those suspected of operating Short-Term Let accommodation without a licence, subsequently progressing with prosecutions through the Fiscal Service.

As a reminder, operating Short-Term Let accommodation without a licence is a criminal matter, which could result in prosecution, a criminal record and a fine of up to £2500. Such a prosecution could prevent you from subsequently obtaining a licence and could result in the suspension or revocation of any other licences you do hold.

If in doubt, don’t risk prosecution. Speak to an experienced solicitor or consultant today.

STL Solutions can advise you on your legal obligations and assist with obtaining a licence.

14/09/2026

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Another happy client!

We love hearing feedback like this from our clients. 💛

Thank you to our STL owner in Meadowbank, Edinburgh, for the kind words. We’re proud to provide a professional and dependable service our clients can count on.

📍 Meadowbank, Edinburgh

13/09/2026

12/09/2026

From a standing start to welcoming guests in just 2 months. 🏡
For this Highland self-catering property, our client wanted certainty before moving forward.

By tackling licensing and planning together from the outset, we helped secure a temporary licence within two months, allowing the property to begin welcoming guests — while also establishing its planning position and reducing exposure to future changes in Short-Term Let Control Area rules.

The result? Licence secured. Planning status protected. Business up and running.
Considering a self-catering investment, or concerned about potential changes to STL Control Areas?

Speak to STL Solutions about your options. Free, no-commitment consultations available.

📩 [email protected]

11/09/2026

Planning authorities may also consider whether the property’s use amounts to a material change of use, with every application assessed on its individual circumstances.

At STL Solutions, we help short-term let owners understand their planning position and navigate the process with confidence.

📩 Get in touch with our team to discuss your property.

03/09/2026

🏠Don’t let licensing, planning or compliance hold you back. At STL Solutions, we take the stress out of the process and help you get your property on the right track — quickly and professionally.

✅ Expert guidance
✅ Straightforward support
✅ Help from start to finish

Ready to move forward with your Short-Term Let?
👉 Book your consultation with STL Solutions today.
https://stlsolutions.co.uk/free-consultation

01/09/2026

⚠️ SHORT-TERM LET OPERATORS IN THE HIGHLANDS – IMPORTANT PLANNING UPDATE ⚠️

If you currently operate a secondary short-term let outside an existing Short-Term Let Control Area, this is something you should be paying close attention to.

The Highland Council has consulted on proposals to introduce two further Short-Term Let Control Areas (STLCAs) covering large parts of the Highlands:

📍 Inverness City – including Inverness West, Central, Ness-side and Millburn, along with parts of Inverness South such as Westhill, Milton of Leys and Slackbuie.

📍 Highland Rural – including Lochaber; Wester Ross, Strathpeffer and Lochalsh; Sutherland; Skye and Raasay; Aird and Loch Ness; and parts of Inverness South including Tomatin and Daviot.

Why does this matter?

Within a designated Short-Term Let Control Area, planning permission is always required for a future change of use of a residential home to a secondary short-term let – i.e. a property where the owner does not normally live and which is rented out on a short-term basis.

Outside a control area, the planning position can be different, with permission currently required where the use amounts to a material change of use.

⚠️ So, if your property is currently outside a control area, don't assume it will remain that way.

The proposals could significantly expand the parts of the Highlands covered by Short-Term Let Control Area rules.

The consultation has now closed and responses are being analysed, so operators, prospective purchasers and anyone considering converting a residential property to short-term letting should keep a close eye on what happens next.

It is also important to remember that a Short-Term Let licence and planning permission are separate matters. Holding a licence does not necessarily mean that you have, or do not require, the appropriate planning permission.

Please share this with anyone currently operating – or considering operating – a short-term let in the Highlands and Contact STL Solutions Today!

28/08/2026

🏡 Think you need 10 years of short-term letting history to secure a Certificate of Lawfulness? Think again.

The “10-year rule” is only one potential route.
Depending on your property and how it has been used, you may be able to establish lawful use through the no material change of use route — even if you haven’t been operating for 10 years.

A Certificate of Lawfulness can provide formal confirmation that your short-term let use is lawful, helping give you greater certainty and protection against future planning enforcement.
Not sure whether your property could qualify?

👉 Speak to STL Solutions for a free initial consultation and find out which route may apply to you.

26/08/2026

A great result at a recent Licensing Subcommittee, where three of our clients had their short-term let licences granted.

Each case was different and required its own approach. Across these applications, STL Solutions provided a range of tailored professional support — from expert consultation and advice, through to the preparation of supporting reports and representation at the Licensing Subcommittee.

Our role is to understand the circumstances of each application, identify the issues that need to be addressed and help ensure our clients go into the licensing process properly prepared and professionally represented.

Whether you need expert advice, supporting reports, representation at a Subcommittee — or support throughout the process — we can help.

Every application is different and outcomes cannot be guaranteed, but these three successful decisions are a great example of the breadth of support we can provide.

If your short-term let licence is facing objections, being referred to a Subcommittee or you simply need expert guidance on your application, speak to STL Solutions.

👉 www.stlsolutions.co.uk

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