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

“The application property is a ground floor, one-bedroom flat at 1, Canongate. The property has its own main door access on to the Canongate. There is a rear door access to the communal stair serving properties above.”

“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 January 2010. Therefore, the application is retrospective.”

“The application property is in the Old and New Towns of Edinburgh World Heritage Site and the Old Town Conservation Area.”

“23/04791/CLESTL 1 Canongate Old Town Edinburgh EH8 8BX Application for the issue of a Certificate of Lawfulness confirming its existing use and a Short-Term Let visitor accommodation. Refused 9 October 2024”

“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) is acceptable in terms of 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 loss of residential accommodation. The proposal does not comply with the Development Plan policy NPF 4 policy 30(e) ii.”

“There are no external changes proposed. The change of use will not impact on the character or appearance of the conservation area.”

“The proposals are acceptable with regard to Section 64 of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) (Scotland) Act 1997.”

“Date of Neighbour Notification: 18 March 2025 Date of Renotification of Neighbour Notification: Not Applicable…”

“Press Publication Date(s): 28 March 2025 Site Notices Date(s): 25 March 2025 Number of Contributors: 27”

“− Negative impact on residential amenity (including community cohesion and residents' safety and security). − Negative impact on housing stock.”

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

“25/01284/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.”