Short-term let accommodation at 9 Dewar Place Lane, Edinburgh

“The surrounding area is a mix of residential and commercial. At the west end of the lane is the West End police station and car park. Beside the police station on the north side are authorised short term lets (STLs). Eastwards from there and extending to the end of the lane, including opposite the application property, is the rear of the Hub by Premier Inn Hotel and associated car park. There is one office on the north side of the lane.”

“The application is for a change of use from residential to short term let (sui generis). No internal or external physical changes are proposed. The applicant advises that the short term let use has been in operation since 10 September 2022. Therefore, the application is retrospective.”

“The application property is a three-storey mews town-house at 9 Dewar Place Lane in the west end of the city. There is a hall, store, and WC on the ground floor. The first floor has a living/dining and kitchen area, and the second floor accommodates two bedrooms and a bathroom. The property has its own main door entrance and there is no shared or private amenity space.”

“25.03.2025 Local Review Body decision - Uphold (application refused).”

“22.05.2024 Local Review Body decision -Uphold (application refused).”

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

“The loss of the residential accommodation has not been justified. 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 loss of residential accommodation. The proposal does not comply with NPF policy 30(e) (ii). There are no material considerations that outweigh this conclusion. The proposal is unacceptable.”

“A total of 29 representations have been received, 28 in support, including a petition, and one objection. The petition in support was submitted by the agent who is the lead coordinator, and it has 23 signatories. It is noted that five of the petition signatories have also submitted comments in support and seven of the commenters provided no reasons for supporting the proposal. An objection has been received from the West End Community Council.”

“- Brings economic benefits. - There will be no negative impact on residential amenity. - The STL use will comply with licensing requirements. - STLs are a valuable alternative to hotels. - This is a good location for STL use.”

“25/03609/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.”