Short-term let at 1F4 20 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 1 December 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 20(1F4) 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.”

“23/05833/CLESTL 1F4 20 Waverley Park Abbeyhill Edinburgh EH8 8ET Application for the issue of a Certificate of Lawfulness confirming its existing use and a short-term let visitor accommodation. withdrawn 16 May 2024”

“There is no pre-application process history.”

“The additional servicing that operating a property as an STL requires compared to that of a residential use is also likely to result in an increase in disturbance, further impacting on neighbouring amenity. However, this would be of lesser impact as it is likely that servicing would be conducted during the daytime.”

“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 23 representations have been received. These are 23 individual comments, all in support, including one petition in support with 21 signatories. It is noted that 12 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.”

“To REFUSE planning permission for the reasons set out in section C of the report by the Chief Planning Officer.”