Short-term let accommodation at 1F1 18 Waverley Park, Abbeyhill, 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 change of use of the property from a flatted dwelling to short term let (sui generis). No internal or external physical changes are proposed. The application form states that the operation of the property as a short term let commenced on 12 April 2019. The application is therefore retrospective.”

“The application property is a one-bedroom flat on the first floor of a four-storey tenement block at 18 (1F1) Waverley Park, Abbeyhill. The property shares a communal entrance door and stairwell with other flats.”

“Waverley Park is a cul-de-sac with no through route for vehicles and is entirely residential.”

“23/05163/CLESTL 1F1 18 Waverley Park Edinburgh EH8 8ET Short term let (change of use to short term let took place within the last 10 years but is not a material change of use). Refused 5 June 2024”

“There is no pre-application process history.”

“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.”

“It is acknowledged that there is an economic benefit of providing visitor accommodation. However, the supporting information is based on assumptions and estimates of income and does not consider the other benefits of residential.”

“Date of Neighbour Notification: March 2025 Date of Renotification of Neighbour Notification: Not Applicable Press Publication Date(s): Not Applicable Site Notices Date(s): Not Applicable…”

“A total of 25 representations have been received. These are 23 individual comments, all in support, including one petition in support with 21 signatories, and two objections. One of the petition signatories is in duplicate. It is noted that 21 of the petition signatories have also submitted comments in support.”

“− Brings economic benefits. − There will be no negative impact on residential amenity. − The STL use will comply with licensing requirements.”

“25/01002/FULSTL - report by the Chief Planning Office To REFUSE planning permission for the reasons set out in section C of the report by the Chief Planning Officer.”