A Rhu mansion labelled an Airbnb party pad by angry neighbours is now the subject of a retrospective planning application for change of use to short term let.
Invergare has been operating for some time, with residents complaining last year of late night noise which could be heard 150 yards away, sectarian songs being sung and empty Buckfast bottles being thrown onto the lawn.
Six months ago police said that 28 incidents had been recorded at the property in Glenarn Road.
But now the owners have applied to Argyll and Bute Council for change of use from a dwelling house to short term let for the B-listed Scots Baronial mansion which is advertised at £1,029 a night and ‘perfect for a luxurious stay’ on Airbnb.
An operational statement submitted with the application states: “The let will be managed by the applicants. They will use online travel agents, such as homeaway, and their own website to take bookings.
“They have the ability to let the property as two separate units, as the lower floor can be a self-contained apartment with kitchen, living room and two entry/exit points.
“The maximum occupancy they will allow, as one unit, is 24 people. They would prefer week-long stays during summer (July/August) and allow weekends and short stays during the rest of the year.
“They will exclude certain groups (such ‘hen’ and ‘stag’ parties) that they feel are more likely to break the rules (e.g. no loud music, no third-party speakers, be considerate of the neighbours etc).”
The current listing on Airbnb states that only the speaker system provided may be used, adding: “Invergare Castle is a fabulous house for families, with extensive gardens in a friendly and safe community. Because it is situated in a quiet residential area it is unsuitable for hen and stag parties.”
February’s meeting of Rhu and Shandon Community Council heard from Police Scotland Inspector Roddy MacNeil that there had been 28 incidents recorded at the property, but the owners’ mobile number was called when a disturbance was reported, while if the customers have been too noisy the owner can terminate their stay with no refund.
Police patrolling the area had been told by a customer that the owner said any noise would not be tolerated.
At the previous meeting, in December, residents said the situation had got much worse in the previous few weeks, with antisocial behaviour including ‘the climbing of parapets, singing sectarian songs and the tossing of empty Buckfast bottles onto the lawns’.
Details of the application are on the council’s website. The reference number is 20/01248/PP .
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