Short-term let accommodation at 2F2 112 Polwarth Gardens, Edinburgh

“The application property is a one-bedroom flat located on the second floor of a residential tenement on the northern side of Polwarth Gardens. The property comprises a bedroom, box room, kitchen, lounge, shower-room and hallway. Access to the property is via a communal door and a stairwell shared with eight other residential properties. To the rear of the tenement, there is a communal garden area.”

“The application is for the retrospective change of use of the property from a flatted dwelling to short term let. No external physical changes are proposed. The applicant indicates on the application form that the operation of the property as a short term let commenced on 01 December 2019.”

“The immediate area is predominantly residential. There is a convenience store located on the ground floor approximately 10 metres west of the property's communal door entrance. There is a vacant retail unit located directly south of the convenience store.”

“23/03699/CLESTL 2F2 112 Polwarth Gardens Edinburgh EH11 1LH Short term let. withdrawn 15 May 2024”

“There is no pre-application process history.”

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

“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 loss of residential accommodation.”

“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.”

“Accordingly, it is important to weigh up all the potential effects of the loss of a residential use against the identified demonstrable local economic benefits. These benefits would be limited to the uplift beyond what could be achieved if the property remained in residential occupation.”

“− STLs do not result in noise or disturbance. − Positive economic impact. − Economic benefits of STL outweigh any potential loss of residential accommodation. − No negative impact on residential amenity. − The STL use will comply with licensing requirements.”

“− Negative impact on residential amenity in terms of noise, sense of safety and community cohesion. − Loss of residential accommodation. − Contrary to national planning policy. − Increase in parking issues.”

“25/01161/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. 4.18 – Confirmation of Tree Preservation Order No. 229 (16 Polwarth Terrace)”

“The proposal is contrary to Local Development Plan Policy Hou 6 in respect of Inappropriate Uses in Residential Areas, as the use of this property 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 property 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.”