Short-term let accommodation at Flat 37 9 Salamander Court, South Leith, 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 8 June 2022. The application is therefore retrospective.”

“The application property is a two-bedroom, fifth-floor flat within a five-storey contemporary residential block at 9 (Flat 37) Salamander Court, Leith. The property shares a communal entrance door, stairwell, and lift with the other flats.”

“Salamander Court comprises a series of contemporary residential blocks of four, five, six and seven storeys. The immediate surrounding area is entirely residential.”

“23/06063/CLESTL Flat 37 9 Salamander Court South Leith Edinburgh EH6 7JP Application for the issue of a Certificate of Lawfulness confirming its existing use and a short-term let visitor accommodation. withdrawn 15 May 2024”

“There is no pre-application process history.”

“The use of the property as an STL would introduce an increased frequency of movement to the property, shared stairwell, lift, and main entrance. Its location on the fifth floor of the residential block means guests are required to pass doors of other residents as they move to and from the property. The STL use would also enable visitors to arrive and stay at the premises for short periods of time throughout the year 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.”

“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. Whilst the petition has 21 names and addresses, there is a duplicate signature. It is noted that all 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.”

“25/01009/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.”

“The proposal is contrary to Local Development Plan Policy Hou 6 in respect of Inappropriate Uses in Residential Areas, as the use of this dwelling as a short term let will have a materially detrimental effect on the living conditions and amenity of nearby residents.”

“The proposal is contrary to National Planning Framework 4 Policy 30(e) in respect of Local Amenity and Loss of Residential Accommodation, as the use of this dwelling as a short term let will result in an unacceptable impact on local amenity and the loss of a residential property has not been justified.”