Short-term let accommodation at 1F 129 Canongate, Old Town, Edinburgh

What was proposed

The application sought retrospective permission to continue using a two-bedroom flat as commercial short-stay accommodation, without physical alterations.

“The application is for the retrospective change of use of flat from residential to short term let (STL). No internal or external alterations are proposed. The applicant advises that the short term let use has been operating since 01/06/2019.”

“The applicant has provided a planning statement and economic reports to support the application.”

Officer report

The site and its setting

The flat is in a shared residential townhouse within a listed building, conservation area and World Heritage Site, near commercial activity on the Canongate.

“The Canongate is characterised by a variety of commercial uses including shops, cafes, bars, and restaurants and has high levels of on-street activity both during the day and at night. The residential townhouse sits north of Canongate away from much of the activity associated with these uses and is secluded and residential in nature, characterised by lower levels of on-street activity. Public transport links are easily accessible from the site.”

“The property forms part of Category B listed building (reference LB28432, dated 14/12/1970) and is the Old Town Conservation Area and the Old and New Towns of Edinburgh World Heritage Site.”

Officer report

Earlier planning history

The short-term let use began in June 2019, and an earlier certificate application for ongoing use was withdrawn in May 2024.

“23/04999/CLESTL 1F 129 Canongate Edinburgh EH8 8BP Ongoing use as a short term let. withdrawn 16 May 2024”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended refusal because the use would harm neighbouring amenity and the economic benefits did not justify losing residential accommodation.

“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 the loss of residential accommodation.”

Officer report

Impact on residents and housing

Frequent transient visitors and guest activity were expected to harm living conditions, while the claimed economic benefits were not significant enough to justify losing a home.

“The STL use would result in an increased frequency of movement to and from the building's shared entrance, stairwell, and vicinity. The use would enable visitors to arrive and stay at the premises for a short period of time on a regular basis throughout the year in a manner dissimilar to that of permanent residents.”

“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.”

Officer report

What people said

Supporters cited building maintenance, economic benefits and no amenity harm, while the objection raised community, safety and amenity concerns.

“− Loss of community. − Negative impact on amenity, including safety and security concerns.”

“− STL use help maintain a historical building. − Positive economic impact. − STL use complies with policy. − No negative amenity impact. − STL use benefits local economy.”

Officer report

The decision

“Decision 4.6 - 7 Cordiner's Land, Edinburgh, EH1 2LF Retrospective change of use of premises to short term let accommodation - application no.”

Minutes, 20 Aug 2025