Studio flat short-term let at 3B Figgate Street, Portobello West, 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 the retrospective change of use of the property from a flatted dwelling to short term let. No internal or external physical changes are proposed. The applicant indicates on the application form that the operation of the property as a short- term let commenced on 28 May 2022.”

“The application property is a studio flat on the ground floor of a contemporary three- storey block at 3B Figgate Street, Portobello. The property has its own main entrance door to the side and shares its access to Figgate Street via a communal footpath and a gated access. There is a shared garden to the rear. Above the property on the first and second floors is a single maisonette.”

“Figgate Street extends north eastwards from Portobello High Street and is predominantly residential. Beach Lane Social Club sits immediately adjacent to the development in which the application property sits and there is an alternative entrance to the social club on Beach Lane to the east of the property. Public transport links are accessible from the site.”

“24/04267/CLESTL 3B Figgate Street Portobello West Edinburgh EH15 1HL Application for the issue of a Certificate of Lawfulness confirming its existing use and a short-term let visitor accommodation. Refused 22 January 2025”

“23/05930/CLESTL 3B Figgate Street Edinburgh EH15 1HL Application for the issue of a Certificate of Lawfulness confirming its existing use and a short-term let visitor accommodation. withdrawn 15 May 2024”

“Although the application property has its own main entrance door, the character of the immediate area is predominantly residential. The use of this property as an STL would introduce an increased frequency of movement to the property, the shared entrance footpath (where there are neighbours' windows immediately above on the first and second floors), the shared garden and the public footpath in front of the main residential block.”

“The additional servicing that operating a property as an STL requires compared to that of a residential use is also likely to result in an increase in disturbance, further impacting on neighbouring amenity. However, this would be of lesser impact as it is likely that servicing would be conducted during the daytime.”

“A total of 26 representations have been received, and all are in support. It is noted that one commenter in support has submitted a duplicate comment.”

“- Brings economic benefits. - There will be no negative impact on residential amenity. - Will not be a loss of residential accommodation.”

“25/04746/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.”