Short-term let conversion at Flat 16 83 Hopetoun Street, Edinburgh

“The change of use of this property to a short-term let (STL) will have an unacceptable impact on neighbouring amenity. 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 residential amenity or the loss of residential accommodation.”

“The application is for the retrospective change of use of the property from a flatted dwelling to short term let. No internal or external physical changes are proposed. The applicant indicates on the application form that the operation of the property as a short- term let commenced on 1 December 2016. The application is therefore retrospective.”

“The application property is a three-bedroom flat on the fifth floor of a contemporary six- storey block at 83 (Flat 16) Hopetoun Street, Bellevue. The flat has two balconies, one leading from the living room and one from the master bedroom. The property shares its access to the street via a main entrance door and communal stair with other properties.”

“Hopetoun Street is predominantly residential, comprising a range of modern developments of four, five and six-storey apartment blocks. It connects McDonald Road to the north-east with Annandale Street to the south-west. Public transport links are accessible from the site.”

“24/04514/FULSTL Flat 16, 83 Hopetoun Street Edinburgh EH7 4NJ. Use of Flat for short term let use (sui generis) and residential flat (in retrospect). The property is available for letting all year. Refused 29.11.2024. 05.03.2025 Local Review Body decision - Uphold (application refused).”

“23/04560/FULSTL Flat 16, 83 Hopetoun Steet Edinburgh EH7 4NJ. Use of Flat for short term let use (sui generis) and residential flat (in retrospect). Refused 26.04.2024. 11.09.2024 Local Review Body Decision-Uphold (application refused).”

“Use of the property as an STL would introduce an increased frequency of movement to the property, shared stairwell, and main entrance. The property's location on the fifth floor of the residential block means guests are required to pass the doors of other residents' flats as they move to and from the property.”

“To comply with the policy, it is not sufficient to demonstrate that the STL use will deliver economic benefits; rather, it must be demonstrated that the economic benefits associated with any individual application are significant enough that they warrant the loss of a home, and the economic and other benefits associated with this.”

“A total of four representations have been received. These are one petition in support with 24 signatures and three objections. An objection has been received from Leith Central Community Council. A summary of all the representations is provided below: -”

“- Negative impact on residential amenity (including community cohesion and residents' safety and security). - Negative impact on housing stock. - Incompatible with Development Plan.”

“25/05690/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.”