Short-term let accommodation at Flat 5 30A Shandwick Place, 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 a change of use from residential to short term let (sui generis). No internal or external physical changes are proposed. The applicant advises that the short term let use has been in operation since September 2021. Therefore, the application is retrospective.”

“The application property is a one-bedroom flat on the first floor of a five-storey tenement at 30A (Flat 5) Shandwick Place in the west end of the city. The property shares its access to the street via a communal stair with other properties. At the ground floor level is a supermarket.”

“The application property is part of a category C listed building (LB 30181, 30/01/1981). It is in the Old and New Towns of Edinburgh World Heritage Site and the New Town Conservation Area.”

“23/05726/CLESTL Flat 5 30A Shandwick Place Edinburgh EH2 4RT Application for the issue of a certificate of lawfulness confirming its existing use and a short-term let visitor accommodation. withdrawn 14 May 2024”

“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.”

“The change of use of this property to an 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.”

“A total of 23 representations have been received. All are in support including a petition with 21 signatures. 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. There are also four comments in support which are duplicated.”

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

“25/01148/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…”