Short-term let accommodation at 1F1 17 Westfield Road, Slateford, Edinburgh

What was proposed

The application sought retrospective permission to use a two-bedroom flat as short-term let accommodation, without physical changes.

“The application is for the retrospective change of use of the property from a flatted dwelling to short term let (STL). No internal or external physical changes are proposed. The application form states that the short stay use commenced on 01/01/2018.”

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

Officer report

The site

The property is a first-floor flat in a residential tenement, with shared access and low activity in the centre of the street.

“The application property is a first floor flat within a four storey tenement block at 1F1, 17 Westfield Road, Gorgie. It comprises two bedrooms, a living room/kitchen and bathroom. Access is via a communal entrance and stairwell shared with other residential properties.”

“The surrounding area is predominantly residential in character. The nearest commercial premises are located at the junctions with Gorgie Road to the south of the site and Stevenson Road to the north. Whilst there is a moderate degree of activity towards these junctions, the application property is located in the centre of the street where there are low levels of on-street activity. Public transport links are easily accessible from the site.”

Officer report

Earlier applications

Earlier applications for the short-term let use were refused or withdrawn, and an appeal found that the use was not lawful.

“23/03695/CLESTL 1F1 17 Westfield Road Edinburgh EH11 2QP Short term let. Refused 16 January 2024”

“24/03061/CLESTL 1F1 17 Westfield Road Edinburgh EH11 2QP Application for the issue of a Certificate of Lawfulness confirming its existing use and a short-term let visitor accommodation. Refused 17 January 2025”

Officer report

Why officers recommended refusal

Officers considered that visitor movement and noise would harm residential amenity, while economic benefits did not justify losing 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.”

“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.”

Officer report

What people said

There were 22 supporting representations, one objection and a supporting petition, with views about licensing, amenity, safety and economic effects.

“A total of 24 representations have been received, 22 in support, one objection and a petition in support with 21 signatories. It is noted four of the petition signatories also submitted comments in support. A summary of the representations is provided below.”

“− The STL use will comply with licensing requirements. − Positive economic impact. − No detrimental impact on amenity.”

Officer report

The decision

“Decision 6.2 - Plot 35A Granton Harbour, West Harbour Road, Edinburgh Mixed-use development of houses, flats (81 dwellings), commercial units, surrounding roads and public realm areas - application no.”

Minutes, 5 Nov 2025