Short-term let accommodation at PF1 9 Piersfield Grove, Edinburgh

“The change of use of the 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.”

“Planning permission is sought for a retrospective change of use from residential (sui generis) to short term let accommodation (sui generis). No external or internal alterations are proposed.”

“The application property is a ground floor flatted dwelling which forms part of a three- storey terraced tenement block located on the west side of Piersfield Grove. It comprises one bedroom, a living room/kitchen, and a bathroom with approximately 50 square metres (sq. m) gross internal floor area. Access is via a communal main door and hallway alongside eight other residential flats. The property shares a communal garden to the rear of the tenement.”

“The street has no through access and is residential in character, with low levels of pedestrian and vehicular traffic.”

“23/04668/FULSTL PF1 9 Piersfield Grove Mountcastle Edinburgh EH8 7BU Change of use from residential flat to a short-term holiday let. Refused 29 November 2023”

“25/00193/FULSTL PF1 9 Piersfield Grove Edinburgh EH8 7BU Change of use of premises to short-term let accommodation. Refused 23 May 2025”

“The STL use would introduce an increased frequency of movement to the property and the tenement's shared entrance and hallway. It would enable visitors to arrive and stay at the property for a short period of time on a regular basis in a manner dissimilar to that of permanent residents.”

“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.”

“Three representations were received. This includes a petition in support with 21 signatories and two objection comments. The petition was submitted by the agent who is the lead petition coordinator. A summary of the representations is below, and the material comments have been addressed in the sections above.”

“- Loss of residential accommodation. - Detrimental effects on the local amenity and character of the area. - Impact on public transport.”

“26/00100/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.”