Short-term let accommodation at 1F1 9 High 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 applicant indicates on the application form that the operation of the property as a short stay let commenced on 01 January 2018.”

“The application relates to a property located on the northern side of the High Street. It is a first-floor flat forming part of a four-storey Scots Baronial tenement with retail uses at ground floor. The property comprises one bedroom, a bathroom, a kitchen, and a living room. Access is via a shared door and communal stairwell directly off the High Street. There are three short term lets located on the second floor. The remainder of the properties are residential.”

“The property forms part of a category B listed building (LB29032, listing date: August 1987), in the Old Town Conservation Area and is in the Old and New Towns of Edinburgh World Heritage Site.”

“23/04929/CLESTL 1F1 9 High Street Old Town Edinburgh EH1 1SR Application for the issue of a Certificate of Lawfulness confirming its existing use and a short-term let visitor accommodation. withdrawn 14 May 2024”

“22/06379/CLESTL 2F4 9 High Street Old Town Edinburgh EH1 1SR Existing use of property as short term let. Granted 13 April 2023”

“Conclusion in relation to the Development Plan…”

“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.”

“− Economic benefit to the area resulting from the proposal. − Busy area so no increase in noise and disturbance. − The STL use will comply with licensing requirements. − Positive economic impact. − No detrimental impact on amenity.”

“− Loss of residential accommodation − Negative impact on community cohesion. − The property uses a shared access and communal areas. − Negative impact on residential amenity, including noise disturbance and security concerns.”

“25/00718/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.”