Short-term let accommodation at 16B Calton Hill, 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 flat from residential to short term let (STL). No internal or external alterations are proposed. The applicant advises that the short term let use has been operating since January 2019.”

“The application property is a basement flat within a terraced tenement at 16B Calton Hill. It comprises three bedrooms, a sitting room, kitchen, and two bathrooms. It has its own main door which is accessed via two set of steps from Calton Hill. One of these sets of steps is shared with the residential property on the ground floor. All floors above the application property are in residential use.”

“Calton Hill is primarily residential on the north side. There is a modern office block to the west and a hotel opposite on the south side. It is characterised by low levels of on- street activity which reduces at night. Calton Hill adjoins Leith Street to west and is characterised by a mix of uses and high levels of activity. Public Transport links are easily accessible from the site.”

“24/04384/CLESTL 16B Calton Hill Edinburgh EH1 3BJ Application for the issue of a Certificate of Lawfulness confirming its existing use and a short-term let visitor accommodation. Refused 2 April 2025”

“23/05419/CLESTL 16B Calton Hill Edinburgh EH1 3BJ Application for the issue of a certificate of lawfulness confirming its existing use and a short-term let visitor accommodation. withdrawn 16 May 2024”

“The STL use would result in an increased frequency of movement to and from the building, shared access path and vicinity. The use would enable visitors to arrive and stay at the premises for a short period of time on a regular basis throughout the year 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.”

“A total of 26 representations have been received, 25 in support and a petition in support with 22 signatories. It is noted that 11 of the petition signatories have also submitted comments in support. A summary of the representations is provided below.”

“− The STL use will comply with licensing requirements. − Positive economic impact. − No detrimental impact on amenity and character of the area.”

“25/00541/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. 4.4 - GF1 26 Calton Hill, Edinburgh, EH1 3BJ Retrospective change of use of premises to short-term let accommodation - application no. 25/01001/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.”