Short-term let accommodation at 1F1 38 Cockburn Street, Edinburgh

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

“The application form details that the use of the property as a short term let commenced on 12 March 2017.”

“The application property is a first-floor flatted dwelling within a three storey and attic tenement block with shops to ground floor. It comprises one bedroom, a sitting/dining/kitchen space and a shower room. Access to the property is via a communal main entrance and stairway shared alongside five other flatted dwellings.”

“The property forms part of a category 'B' listed building (reference: LB30090, date of listing: 12 December 1974) and is in the Old and New Towns of Edinburgh World Heritage Site and the Old Town Conservation Area.”

“18/08621/FUL 1F1 38 Cockburn Street Edinburgh EH1 1PB Change of use from a residential flat to a furnished holiday let (in retrospect) Refused and Enforced 28 December 2018”

“16/03244/FUL 1F1 38 Cockburn Street Edinburgh EH1 1PB Change of use from office/meeting space to residential 1 bed flat and new penetrations in rear elevation for extracts. Granted 26 August 2016”

“Although it is noted that the property is a compact flat with one bedroom, the STL use would introduce an increased frequency of movement to the property, shared landing, and communal stairway. The STL use would enable visitors to arrive and stay at the property for a short period of time on a regular basis 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.”

“− 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. − STL use would contribute to the city's provision of visitor and temporary accommodation.”

“− Negative impact on residential amenity from STL use within the shared stair. − Loss of residential accommodation.”

“25/00771/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.”