Short-term let accommodation at Flat 2 4 Old Assembly Close, Edinburgh

“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.”

“Planning permission is sought for the change of use of the property from residential (sui generis) to short term let accommodation (sui generis) (in retrospect). No external or internal alterations are proposed.”

“The application property is a first-floor flatted dwelling within a five-storey tenement with shop at ground floor. The property comprises three bedrooms (two with en-suites), a living room, kitchen and bathroom.”

“Access to the property is via a communal door and stairway alongside five other flatted dwellings. The communal door is just off the High Street on Old Assembly Close.”

“The application form details that the use of the property as a short term let commenced on 11 July 2022.”

“23/06034/CLESTL Flat 2 4 Old Assembly Close 172 High Street Edinburgh EH1 1QX Application for the issue of a certificate of lawfulness confirming its existing use as short-term let visitor accommodation. withdrawn 29 May 2024”

“The change of use of the property to an 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 the Development Plan policies LDP Hou 6 and NPF4 30(e).”

“The STL use would introduce an increased frequency of movement to the property, shared landing, and communal stairway. The property comprises three bedrooms and the STL use would enable visitors to arrive and stay at the property for a short period of time on a regular basis in a manner dissimilar to that of permanent residents.”

“Details surrounding the management of the property as an STL have been provided, however, only limited regard can be given to this. The operator is unable to have complete control over the behaviour of guests as there is no full-time on-site management presence.”

“Date of Neighbour Notification: May 2025 Date of Renotification of Neighbour Notification: Not Applicable Press Publication Date(s): May 2025 Site Notices Date(s): May 2025 Number of Contributors: 27”

“− Any amenity impact from the use of the property as an STL is mitigated by the property's location. − STL use of the property will be governed by the STL Licensing Scheme, which will protect neighbouring amenity. − STL use of the property will result in economic benefit which outweighs any potential loss of residential accommodation.”

“− Negative impact on residential amenity from STL use within a shared stair. − Loss of residential accommodation. − STL use increases travel, which is a key driver in climate change. − Management of STL use.”

“25/02224/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.”