Short-term let in a flat at Flat 22 3 North Pilrig Heights, Pilrig, Edinburgh

“The change of use of this property to a short term let (STL) will have an unacceptable impact on the residential character of the area and 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.”

“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 23/09/2018.”

“The application property is a fourth floor flat within an eight-storey modern flatted block. It comprises one bedroom, a living room, kitchen and bathroom. Access is via a communal entrance and stairwell/elevator shard with other residential properties.”

“The immediate surrounding area of Pilrig Heights North and Pilrig Heights is residential in nature and is characterised by low levels of on-street activity which reduces at night. Pilrig Heights is bordered by Rosebank Cemetery to the north east, while a former railway line separates the site from further flatted development and a church to the south west. The wider surrounding area is also predominately residential.”

“23/05029/CLESTL Flat 22 3 North Pilrig Heights Edinburgh EH6 5FF Application for a Certificate of Lawfulness for a Short-Term Let. Refused 5 June 2024”

“There is no pre-application process history.”

“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.”

“A total of 45 representations have been received, 35 in support and 10 objections. A summary of the representations is provided below.”

“− Negative impact on amenity, including safety and security concerns. − Negative impact on parking. − Negative impact on housing stock. − Negative impact on community.”

“25/01651/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.”