Short-term let flat at 301 Webster's Land, Edinburgh

“The application is for a change of use from residential to short term let (sui generis). No internal or external physical changes are proposed. The application states that the STL use has been in operation since December 2017. The application is therefore retrospective.”

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

“The application property is a one-bedroom, third-floor flat at 301 Webster's Land in the West Port. The property shares its access to West Port via a communal walkway and a secure gated access.”

“The application property is in the Old Town Conservation Area and the Old and New Towns of Edinburgh World Heritage Site.”

“23/04570/CLESTL 301 Webster's Land Edinburgh EH1 2RU Application for the issue of a certificate of lawfulness confirming its existing use and a short-term let visitor accommodation. withdrawn 14 May 2024”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 the 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.”

“Supporting information submitted with the application includes an analysis of the economic benefits and fiscal benefits of STL use of the property in comparison to the residential use. The analysis suggests that the gross value added, number of jobs and local fiscal benefits could be greater for STL than the residential use.”

“Given the declared housing emergency and pressures on residential accommodation in Edinburgh, in addition to the economic and societal benefits that residential accommodation in the City brings in terms of people being able to live, work and contribute to their community, significant weight has to be given to the retention of existing residential accommodation.”

“− The property is located in a busy area and residents will be used to noise. − Will be good for local businesses. − No negative impact on residential amenity. − The STL use will comply with licensing requirements.”

“− Negative impact on residential amenity (including residents' security). − Negative impact on housing stock.”

“25/00944/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. 4.33 - 1F2 3 Yardheads, Edinburgh, EH6 6BU”