Short-term let accommodation at Flat 4 2 North Charlotte 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 (STL). No internal or external physical changes are proposed. The application form states that the operation of the property as a short term let commenced on 01/06/2019.”

“The application property is an attic level flat within a three storey, with basement and attic, classical tenement on the eastern side of North Charlotte Street. It comprises two bedrooms, a kitchen/dining room, sitting room and three bathrooms. Access is via a communal entrance and stairwell shared with other residential properties.”

“The property forms part of a category A listed building (reference LB28509, dated 03/03/1966) and is the New Town Conservation Area and the Old and New Towns of Edinburgh World Heritage Site.”

“However, the property is accessed via a common entrance and stairwell shared with other residential units. Therefore, the use of this property as an STL would introduce an increased frequency of movement to the property through the shared entrance and stair. The STL 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.”

“25/00576/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. 4.25 - 7 Northumberland Place, Edinburgh, EH3 6LQ”