Short-term let accommodation at 2F1 2 West Norton Place, Abbeyhill, Edinburgh

“Planning permission is sought for the retrospective change of use of the residential property to an STL. The applicant indicates on the application form that the STL use began on 01 May 2016”

“This application relates to a one-bedroom flat located on the first floor of a four-storey tenement which contains 12 residential flats. The property is accessed via a communal door and stairwell shared with other residential properties.”

“The property is in the New Town Conservation Area.”

“22/02643/FUL 2F1 2 West Norton Place Edinburgh EH7 5AW Change of use from residential to short-term lets. Deemed Refusal 31 August 2022”

“There is no pre-application process history.”

“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 loss of residential accommodation.”

“The proposal does not comply with the Development Plan policy NPF 4 policy 30(e) and LDP policy Hou 6. There are no material considerations that outweigh this conclusion. The proposal is unacceptable.”

“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.”

“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.”

“25/02316/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.”