Seven serviced apartments at 39 London Street, Edinburgh

“The change of use will create seven serviced units for the purpose of short term let (STL) use over three floors. A reception area will be created to the right on the ground floor. There will be four units on the ground floor, two units at basement level and one unit plus a manager's suite on the sub-basement level. Each of the seven STL units will have one double bed, kitchenette, and separate en-suite bathroom. The manager's suite has the same with a single bed.”

“Internal and external works associated with the change of use are assessed in the concurrent listed building consent application (reference: 26/01011/LBC) which has been granted (01.09.2026). An amended drawing has been submitted to address the retention of existing decorative ceilings, cornices and a ceiling rose which will ensure their visibility.”

“The application property is a former funeral directors/funeral parlour at the ground floor, basement, and sub-basement levels of 39 London Street, near the junction with Broughton Street. The property has its own main door access to the front with an entrance platt and a set of seven steps leading up from London Street. All three floors are connected via an internal stair. There is an access to a shared rear garden from the sub-basement level.”

“The surrounding area has a mixed character with largely residential units to the west of the application property and retail units to the east at basement and ground floor level. There are residential properties on the floors directly above ground floor level. Beyond the retail units to the east is Broughton Street which is a local centre with a mix of cafes, bars, restaurants, shops, and residential uses.”

“20/05425/FUL 37A London Street Edinburgh EH3 6LX. Change of Use from derelict property to holiday lets (basement and sub-basement). Refused 27.04.2021. Subsequently appealed to the Planning and Environmental Appeals Division (DPEA). DPEA dismissed appeal 01.12.2021.”

“20/05421/FUL 39 London Street Edinburgh EH3 6LX. Change of Use from Funeral Parlour to holiday lets (ground floor). Refused 27.04.2021 Subsequently appealed to the Planning and Environmental Appeals Division (DPEA). DPEA dismissed the appeal 01.12.2021.”

“It is recommended that this application be Refused subject to the details below.”

“The change of use of this property to serviced apartments for short term let (STL) use will have an unacceptable impact on neighbouring amenity. Whilst it is recognised that there is an economic benefit to the City as a whole from the provision of tourist accommodation, in this case it does not outweigh the adverse impact on residential amenity. The proposal does not comply with the Development Plan policy NPF 4 policy 30(e)(i) and LDP policy Hou 6.”

“NAME: City Archaeologist COMMENT: No known archaeological implications regarding this application. DATE: 21 April 2026”

“A total of 42 representations have been received, 38 in support and four objections. A summary of the representations is provided below:”

“- Negative impact on residential amenity. - Negative impact on housing stock. - Contradicts Development Plan policy. - Will result in additional pressures on parking. - 24-hour on-site management is not binding.”

“26/01010/FULSTL - Report by the Chief Planning Officer To REFUSE planning permission for the reasons set out in section C of the report by the Chief Planning Officer. (on a division) Declaration of interests Councillor Pogson made a transparency statement in respect of item 4.6 as a ward councillor who had discussed the process of the Sub-Committee during his surgery with one of his constituents.”