Short-term let conversion at 1A Royston Terrace, Warriston, Edinburgh

“Proposal: Retrospective change of use from residential flat (sui generis) to STL (sui generis).”

“The application is for the retrospective change of use of the property from a flatted dwelling to short term let (STL). No internal or external physical changes are proposed. The applicant indicates on the application form that the operation of the property as a short stay let commenced on 01/09/2022.”

“The application property is a ground floor flat close to the junction of Royston Terrace and Inverleith Row. It comprises one bedroom, a living room, kitchen, and bathroom. Access is via a private front door.”

“Although Royston Terrace is a predominantly residential street, the property's location to the west end of the street means commercial uses are located either side and across from it. The property is located near to the junction with Inverleith Row which comprises a mix of commercial and residential uses, including a range of shops, cafes, and takeaway units. There is a medium degree of activity in the immediate vicinity of the property.”

“25/00136/ESHORT 1A Royston Terrace Warriston Edinburgh EH3 5QU Alleged unauthorised change of use of residential dwelling to a short term let.”

“Dismissed - The use of the property for short-term letting accommodation entails a materially different pattern of use from that associated with its occupation on a normal domestic basis and this amounts to a material change of use requiring planning permission. As no planning permission has been granted, the use is not established and is not lawful.”

“It is recommended that this application be Refused subject to the details below.”

“The loss of the residential accommodation has not been justified. The proposal does not comply with NPF 4 30(e) part (ii). There are no material considerations that outweigh this conclusion. The proposal is unacceptable.”

“Access to the property is via a private front door. Further, the property is a compact flat with one bedroom, meaning it can only host a maximum of two people. The mix of uses in the surrounding area means there are higher than usual levels of activity than towards the western end of Royston Terrace.”

“The applicant has submitted a letter from a letting agent stating that they have assessed the property's suitability for long-term letting. It asserts that the space and layout may present challenges in securing stable long-term tenants and there may be high tenant turnover. No evidence has been provided to demonstrate the property is not suitable for long-term letting and therefore limited weight has been given to this letter.”

“− Loss of housing. − Negative environmental impact associated with the loss of housing. − Loss of community. − Negative impact on character of area. − Issues with parking. − Negative impact on amenity.”

“− Positive economic impact. − No detrimental impact on amenity. − The property is unsuitable for long-term housing. − Positive community impact. − The property was never in residential use.”

“25/01066/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. 4.31 - 12 Royston Terrace, Edinburgh, EH3 5QS”

“Retrospective change of use of premises to short term let accommodation – application no.”