Short-term let accommodation at Flat 19 24 Simpson Loan, 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 (STL). 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 13 April 2019.”

“The application property is a two-bedroom flat located on the fourth floor of a contemporary residential block which is directly adjacent to the Meadows public park. Access to the property is via a communal door and stairwell shared with other residential properties.”

“Although there a mix of uses in the Quartermile area which include bakeries, cafes, restaurants and a hotel, Simpson Loan itself is predominantly residential and has low levels of pedestrian and vehicle activity.”

“23/06017/CLESTL Flat 19 24 Simpson Loan Edinburgh EH3 9GE Application for the issue of a Certificate of Lawfulness confirming its existing use and a short-term let visitor accommodation. withdrawn 15 May 2024”

“There is no pre-application process history.”

“It is acknowledged there are a mix of uses within the area which include a cafe, restaurant and hotel and given the close proximity to the Futures Institute and the Meadows there is a moderate pattern of activity within the area. However, the use of this property as an STL would introduce an increased frequency of movement to and from the property, shared stairwell and communal door.”

“The activity and noise generated by the proposed use would be significantly different from what neighbouring residents living within the building might reasonably expect and consequently will have a significant detrimental effect on their living conditions and amenity.”

“Date of Neighbour Notification: 7 February 2025 Date of Renotification of Neighbour Notification: Not Applicable Press Publication Date(s): 14 February 2025 Site Notices Date(s): 11 February 2025 Number of Contributors: 52”

“− Economic benefit to the area and city resulting from the proposal. − The STL use will comply with licensing requirements. − Positive economic impact. − No detrimental impact on amenity.”

“− Negative impact on residential amenity (including community cohesion, security and safety). − Negative impact on housing stock. − Conflicts with LDP Policy Hou 6. − Conflicts with NPF 4 Policy 30 (e).”

“25/00259/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…”