Short-term let accommodation at Flat 2 20 Jamaica Mews, 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 a change of use from residential to short term let (sui generis). No internal or external physical changes are proposed. The applicant advises that the short term let use has been in operation since 29 April 2016. The application is therefore retrospective.”

“The application property is a one-bedroom flat on the ground floor of a contemporary three-storey block at 20 (Flat 2) Jamaica Mews. The property shares its access to the street via a ground floor landing and main entrance door with other properties.”

“The application property is in the New Town Conservation Area and the Old and New Towns of Edinburgh World Heritage Site.”

“23/05992/CLESTL Flat 2 20 Jamaica Mews New Town Edinburgh EH3 6HW Application for the issue of a certificate of lawfulness confirming its existing use as short-term let visitor accommodation. withdrawn 15 May 2024”

“There is no pre-application process history.”

“Given the declared housing emergency and pressures on residential accommodation in Edinburgh, in addition to the economic and societal benefits that residential accommodation in the City brings in terms of people being able to live, work and contribute to their community, significant weight has to be given to the retention of existing residential accommodation.”

“The change of use of this property to an 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.”

“A total of 23 representations have been received. All are in support, including a petition. The petition in support has 21 signatories. Whilst it has 21 names and addresses, there is a duplicate signature. It is noted that 20 of the petition signatories have also submitted comments in support.”

“− Brings economic benefits. − There will be no negative impact on residential amenity. − The STL use will comply with licensing requirements.”

“25/00658/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.”