Short-term let accommodation at Flat 2 5 Lady Wynd, Edinburgh

“The change of use of the 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.”

“Planning permission is sought for a change of use from residential (sui generis) to short term let accommodation (sui generis) (in retrospect). No external or internal alterations are proposed.”

“The application property is a first-floor flatted dwelling within a five-storey block at Lady Wynd. It comprises one bedroom, a study, kitchen/dining/living space and a bathroom. Access to the property is via a communal main door shared with two other flatted dwellings.”

“Lady Wynd is a narrow pedestrian street, perpendicular to Kings Stables Road and West Port. The surrounding area is a vibrant part of the City Centre, with a variety of uses prevalent. Restaurants, bars, cafe, retail and professional services are commonplace in the ground floor units, with residential units on upper floors.”

“18/08620/FUL Flat 2 5 Lady Wynd Edinburgh EH1 2LH Change of use from a residential flat to a furnished holiday let. The flat has already been operating very successfully for 2.5 years as a furnished holiday let, and has been registered as such throughout that period with the City of Edinburgh Council. It is now understood that planning permission is also required, so this proposal seeks to further formalise the existing arrangement.”

“18/08620/FUL was subsequently reviewed at the Local Review Body who on 01 May 2019 upheld the decision by the Chief Planning Officer to refuse planning permission.”

“Conclusion in relation to the Development Plan…”

“The change of use of the 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.”

“− Any amenity impact from the use of the property as an STL is mitigated by the property's location. − STL use of the property will be governed by the STL Licensing Scheme, which will protect neighbouring amenity. − STL use of the property will result in economic benefit which outweighs any potential loss of residential accommodation.”

“25/00770/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.”