Short-term let accommodation at Flat 5 5 Old Fishmarket Close, 190 High Street, Edinburgh

“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 application is for a change of use from residential to short term let (STL) (sui generis). No internal or external physical changes are proposed. The application is not retrospective.”

“The application property is a two-bedroom flat on the second floor of a four-storey tenement block at 5 (Flat 5), Old Fishmarket Close, 190 High Street. The property shares its access to the street via a communal stair and main entrance door with other properties.”

“The application property is part of a B listed building (LB 29041, date of listing 13.08.1987). It is in the Old and New Towns of Edinburgh World Heritage Site and the Old Town Conservation Area.”

“17/02849/LBC Flat 5 5 Old Fishmarket Close 190 High Street Edinburgh EH1 1RW Reconfigure layout of flatted property. Reinstate former window. Form new rooflight. Install safety railings to windows. Install new extracts and boiler flue through roof. Granted 3 October 2017”

“There is no pre-application process history.”

“However, the use of this property as a short term let would have the potential to introduce an increased frequency of movement to the dwelling, main entrance, and shared stair at unsociable hours. The proposed two-bedroom short term let use would enable visitors to arrive and stay at the premises for short periods of time 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.”

“- Negative impact on residential amenity (including community cohesion and residents' safety and security). - Negative impact on housing stock. - Negative impact on the World Heritage Site.”

“- Brings economic benefits. - There will be no negative impact on residential amenity. - The STL use will comply with licensing requirements.”

“25/04198/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.”