Short-term let at 55 Mcdonald Road, Broughton, Edinburgh

“Proposal: Change of use from dwelling to short term let. (in retrospect).”

“Planning permission is sought for a change of use from a residential flatted dwelling (sui generis) to a short term let (sui generis) (in retrospect). No external or internal changes are proposed.”

“The application property is a ground floor and basement, four-bedroom flat. The property is within a four-storey traditional terraced tenement located to the north eastern side of McDonald Road and is accessed through a private main door entrance from the street. There is a small private outdoor space to the front of the property at street level. At basement level, the property has direct access to rear garden space.”

“The immediate area is predominantly residential in character, with some nearby commercial uses to the south east towards Leith Walk. The street is a busy thoroughfare for accessing nearby uses and connecting nearby areas with Leith Walk.”

“A Planning Enforcement enquiry in relation to STL use of the property was closed in 2022. There was no substantive evidence of STL use and therefore the case was closed with no further action taken (case reference: 22/00325/ESHORT).”

“A Planning Enforcement enquiry in relation to STL use of the property was received in May 2025. An investigation into this enquiry is ongoing (case reference: 25/00264/ESHORT).”

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

“The change of use of the 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.”

“Additionally, the property has access to outdoor amenity space to the front and rear of the property. This is in the immediate vicinity of gardens for neighbouring residential property. Transient visitors using this space, including at unpredictable hours, are likely to have less regard for neighbouring amenity than individuals using the property as a principal home.”

“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.”

“A total of 10 representations were received. This includes 1 petition in support with 21 signatories and 9 objection comments. A summary of the representations is below.”

“− Noise disturbance from STL use, including use of outdoor amenity space. − Size of the property. − Residential area. − STL use would result in loss of residential accommodation.”

“25/01606/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. 4.13 - 8A Napier Road, Edinburgh, EH10 5BD”