Short-term let in dwelling at 41 Viewcraig Gardens, Edinburgh

“The application property is a ground and lower ground floor flat within a six-storey modern residential development towards the southern end of Viewcraig Gardens. It comprises four bedrooms, a living room, kitchen and two bathrooms. Access is via a communal entrance and corridor shared with other residential properties.”

“The application is for the retrospective change of use of the property from a flatted dwelling to short term let (STL). No internal or external physical changes are proposed. The application form states that the short term let use commenced on 01/09/2019.”

“Viewcraig Gardens is predominantly residential in nature with the rear of St Leonard's Land Swimming Pool on the west side of the street at the junction with Holyrood Road. The predominant residential nature means Viewcraig Gardens is characterised by low levels of on-street activity both during the day and at night. Public transport links are accessible from the site.”

“25/04841/FULSTL 41 Viewcraig Gardens Dumbiedykes Edinburgh EH8 9UW Retrospective change of use from dwelling to short term let. Refused 20 January 2026”

“Appeal Dismissed - The use of this property for short-term letting accommodation amounts to a material change of use which requires planning permission. As no planning permission has been granted, the use is not established and is not lawful.”

“NPF 4 policy 30 (e) part (ii) requires that where there is a loss of residential accommodation, this will only be supported where the loss is outweighed by demonstrable local economic benefits.”

“Given the declared housing emergency and pressures on residential accommodation in Edinburgh, in addition to the economic and societal benefits that residential accommodation in the City brings in terms of people being able to live, work and contribute to their community, significant weight has to be given to the retention of existing residential accommodation.”

“A total of 21 representations have been received, 20 in support and one objection. The objection is from Southside Community Council who are a statutory consultee for the application. A further letter in support submitted by the agent was not registered as a public representation as it did not have a statutory address. A summary of the representations is below. The material comments have been addressed in the assessment above.”

“- Loss of housing. - Contrary to planning policy. - No economic benefit. - Negative impact on amenity. - Request for the Council to take enforcement action if the application is refused. - Reporting a possible breach of planning control can be done online at https://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/planningenforcement…”

“26/01165/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.”