A DISCUSSION on the future of North Berwick’s housing situation will take place this evening (Thursday) as North Berwick Environment and Heritage Trust (NBEHT) hosts its annual general meeting.

The group recently conducted a study that laid bare the reality of the town’s housing shortage, finding that at least 35 per cent of housing stock in the town centre was designated for holiday let accommodation.

This figure was based on the advertising of properties on four major renting platforms and therefore could be far higher, as it did not incorporate other renting platforms, privately arranged rentals or second homes.

The report stated that, if these other rental sources were included, “the total would be much higher: probably up to 50 per cent of properties in the town centre are not available for permanent residency”.

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East Lothian Council’s new Local Housing Strategy will also be discussed at the meeting, with Rebecca Pringle, team manager for housing strategy, giving a guest speech.

The housing strategy changes on a five-year cycle, with the current one coming to an end in August and the topic of short-term holiday lets expected to feature prominently in the changes.

Olwyn Owen, chair of NBEHT, was happy to see the council’s involvement at the meeting and hoped that the speaker would be able to address the many issues the group had with North Berwick’s current housing situation.

She said: “We are delighted to be welcoming Rebecca Pringle to address our AGM.

“Housing is such an important issue for North Berwick, with the lack of affordable housing either to buy or for long-term rent, and the proliferation of short-term holiday lets and second homes.

“At our last AGM, which was addressed by Paul McLennan MSP, the issue of short-term holiday lets proved a hot topic in the discussion.

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“Consequently, NBEHT researched the situation and found that over 35 per cent of the housing stock in the centre of North Berwick was now short-term holiday lets.

“This is a minimum estimate, based only on holiday lets advertised on the four major online platforms, and does not include holiday lets advertised on other platforms, privately arranged holiday rentals, or second homes.

“This represents the loss of hundreds of potential affordable homes and contributes to a critical housing situation in the town, with serious implications for local people and the recruitment and retention of key workers.

“Our report recognises the importance of tourism to North Berwick and the need for holiday accommodation, but the issue is one of balance. We are very much looking forward to Rebecca’s talk, which is sure to address some of these issues.”

The meeting takes place in the chapel of St Andrew Blackadder this evening from 7pm.

Everyone is welcome and refreshments will be provided.