Short-term let accommodation at 22 Randolph Lane, New Town, Edinburgh

“Planning permission is sought for the change of use of the property from residential to short term let accommodation (sui generis) (in retrospect). No external or internal alterations are proposed.”

“The application form details that the use of the property as a short term let commenced in August 2016.”

“The application property is a first-floor mews dwelling forming part of a mews block on Randolph Lane. The property has a private main entrance at street level with internal steps leading up to the living area on the first floor which comprises a bedroom, living room, kitchen, and bathroom.”

“The application property forms part of a category 'C 'listed building (reference: LB46121, date of listing: March 1999) and is in the Old and New Towns of Edinburgh World Heritage Site and the New Town Conservation Area.”

“23/05998/CLESTL 22 Randolph Lane Edinburgh EH3 7TD Application for the issue of a Certificate of Lawfulness confirming its existing use and a short-term let visitor accommodation. Refused 17 January 2025”

“The change of use of the 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 policies LDP Hou 6 and NPF4 30(e). There are no material considerations that outweigh this conclusion. The proposal is unacceptable.”

“The STL use would introduce an increased frequency of movement to the property and lane. It would enable visitors to arrive and stay at the property for a short period of time on a regular basis in a manner dissimilar to that of permanent residents.”

“The activity and noise generated by the proposed use would be significantly different from what nearby residents might reasonably expect and consequently will have a significant detrimental effect on their living conditions and amenity.”

“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.”

“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.”

“25/01097/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.”