Short-term let accommodation at Flat 5 8 Porteous' Pend, Old Town, Edinburgh
Summary of planning committee decision
Decided by Edinburgh Development Management Sub-Committee on 1 Oct 2025.
What was proposed
The application sought retrospective permission to change a one-bedroom flat from residential use to short-term let accommodation, without physical alterations.
“Application for Planning Permission STL Flat 5 8 Porteous' Pend, Edinburgh, EH1 2HP.”
“Proposal: Retrospective change of use of premises to short term let accommodation.”
Officer report
The site
The flat is in a category C-listed building within the Old Town Conservation Area and World Heritage Site, off the Grassmarket.
“The application property is a one-bedroom flat on the third floor at Flat 5, 8 Porteous' Pend, off the Grassmarket. The property shares its access to Porteous' Pend via a communal stair and entrance door with other properties. The shared entrance door to No. 8 is adjacent to the pend.”
“The property forms part of a category C-listed building (LB 47868), date of listing: 29.03.2001. It is in the Old Town Conservation Area and the Old and New Towns of Edinburgh World Heritage Site.”
Officer report
Earlier applications
An earlier application for the flat was refused, while other short-term let applications nearby were granted or allowed on appeal.
“23/04861/CLESTL Flat 5 8 Porteous' Pend Old Town Edinburgh EH1 2HP Short Term Let. Refused 15 July 2024”
“22/00678/CLE The Property at Flat 4, 8 Porteous Pend has been operating as a short term let for over 10 years since 2004. Refused -23.03.2022. Subsequently appealed to the Planning and Environmental Appeals Division (DPEA) DPEA allowed the appeal. 26.08.2022.”
Officer report
What officers recommended
Officers recommended refusal because the economic benefits did not justify losing residential accommodation, despite acceptable heritage and neighbouring amenity impacts.
“It is recommended that this application be Refused subject to the details below.”
“The change of use of this property to a short term let (STL) is acceptable in terms of 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 loss of residential accommodation. The proposal does not comply with the Development Plan policy NPF 4 policy 30(e) ii.”
Officer report
Arguments for and against
Supporters cited economic benefits, licensing and no amenity harm; objectors raised amenity, community safety and housing concerns.
“− Negative impact on residential amenity (including community cohesion and residents' safety and security). − Negative impact on housing stock.”
“− Brings economic benefits. − There will be no negative impact on residential amenity. − The STL use will comply with licensing requirements.”
Officer report
The committee’s decision
The committee refused planning permission for the reasons set out in section C, including the unjustified loss of residential accommodation.
“25/00809/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.”
Minutes
Reason for refusal
The stated reason was conflict with National Planning Framework 4 policy 30(e)(ii) because the loss of a residential property was not justified.
“The proposal is contrary to National Planning Framework 4 Policy 30(e) (ii) in respect of Loss of Residential Accommodation, as the loss of a residential property has not been justified.”
Officer report
Sources
- Edinburgh Development Management Sub-Committee minutes, 1 October 2025
- Agenda and papers (council website)
Source: Plota analysis of Edinburgh's committee minutes and officer report. Quotations are the council's own words; headings and summaries are Plota's.
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See the API →At the meeting
- Council
- Edinburgh
- Date
- Wednesday 1 October 2025
- Recommendation
- Officers recommended refusal
- Committee decided
- Refused
- Minutes
- The council's minutes
- Meeting
- Agenda and papers (council website)
- Application
- The application (council website)
- All decisions
- Edinburgh committee decisions →
This committee's year
79 decisions in the 12 months to this meeting.
Source: Plota analysis of the committee's minutes.