Short-term let accommodation at 1F3 60 St Mary's Street, Edinburgh

“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 stay let commenced on 01 April 2016.”

“The applicant has provided a planning statement and economic report to support the application.”

“The immediate and surrounding area is characterised by a wide mix of commercial uses including shops, bars, restaurants, and tourist accommodation. A hotel is located directly opposite the application property. There is a high level of on-street activity and ambient noise in the immediate vicinity of the property during the day and into the evening.”

“The property forms part of a category B listed building, is in the Old Town Conservation Area and the Old and New Towns of Edinburgh World Heritage Site.”

“23/04348/CLESTL 1F3 60 St Mary's Street Edinburgh EH1 1SX To confirm existing use as Short-Term Let withdrawn 15 May 2024”

“There is no pre-application process history.”

“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 loss of residential accommodation.”

“The proposal does not comply with the Development Plan policy NPF 4 policy 30(e) and LDP policy Hou 6. There are no material considerations that outweigh this conclusion. The proposal is unacceptable.”

“Details surrounding the management of the property as an STL have been provided, however, only limited regard can be given to this. The operator is unable to have complete control over the behaviour of guests as there is no full-time on-site management presence.”

“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.”

“Date of Neighbour Notification: February 2025 Date of Renotification of Neighbour Notification: Not Applicable Press Publication Date(s): February 2025 Site Notices Date(s): February 2025 Number of Contributors: 25”

“A total of 23 comments were received, 22 were representations in support and a petition in support with 21 signatures was also received. Whilst it has 21 names and addresses, there is a duplicate signature. It is noted that 19 of the petition signatories have also submitted comments in support. A summary of the representations is provided below:”

“− Positive economic impact. − No negative impact on residential amenity. − Economic benefit of STL outweighs the loss of residential accommodation. − Not suitable for residential accommodation. − The STL use will comply with licensing requirements.”

“25/00717/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. 4.23 - Flat 2 43 New Street, Edinburgh, EH8 8BH”

“Retrospective change of use of premises to short-term let accommodation - application no.”