Short-term let accommodation at 1F1 100 West Bow, Old Town, Edinburgh

“Proposal: Retrospective change of use of premises to short term let accommodation.”

“The application property is a first-floor flat within a five storey and attic tenement near the junction of West Bow and the Grassmarket. There are commercial ground floor uses and residential properties above. The property comprises a bedroom, living room, kitchen, and bathroom. Access is via a communal entrance and stairwell shared with other residential properties.”

“The property forms part of a category B listed building (reference LB29909, dated 14/12/1970) and is in the Old Town Conservation Area and the Old and New Towns of Edinburgh World Heritage Site.”

“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 operation of the property as a short term let commenced on 01/08/2018.”

“23/05862/CLESTL 1F1 100 West Bow Old Town Edinburgh EH1 2HH Application for the issue of a Certificate of Lawfulness confirming its existing use and a short-term let visitor accommodation. withdrawn 14 May 2024”

“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.”

“The proposal does not comply with Development Plan policy LDP Policy Hou 6 and NPF4 policy 30(e). There are no material considerations that outweigh this conclusion. The proposal is unacceptable.”

“However, the property is accessed via a common entrance and stairwell shared with other residential properties. Therefore, the use of this property as an STL would introduce an increased frequency of movement to the property through the shared entrance and stairwell, enabling 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.”

“Date of Neighbour Notification: April 2025 Date of Renotification of Neighbour Notification: Not Applicable Press Publication Date(s): May 2025 Site Notices Date(s): April 2025 Number of Contributors: 25”

“A total of 25 representations have been received, 23 in support, one objection and a petition in support with 21 signatories. Whilst there are 21 names and addressed, there is a duplicate signature. It is noted that all petition signatories also submitted comments in support. A summary of the representations is provided below.”

“- Loss of housing. - Loss of community. - Negative amenity impact, including safety and security concerns.”

“25/02089/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.”