Short-term let accommodation at 4D East Suffolk Road, Edinburgh

“Proposal: Retrospective change of use from residential to short term let accommodation (sui generis).”

“The application property is a two-bedroom flat on the ground floor of a contemporary two-storey block at 4D East Suffolk Road, Mayfield. The property has its own main entrance door to the side. There is a private garden to the rear and a flat above the property which is rented out on a long-term basis.”

“This residential block comprises four properties. These are: - 4D-ground floor with own main door entrance, 4B-ground floor with own main door entrance and C1 and C2, both flats on the first floor with a shared entrance to the front. All the properties share the car park to the front of the block.”

“23/05241/FULSTL 4D East Suffolk Road Edinburgh EH16 5PH Retrospective change of use from flat (Sui Generis) to short-term let (Sui Generis). Refused 17 May 2024”

“23/05241/FULSTL 4D East Suffolk Road Edinburgh EH16 5PH. Retrospective Change of Use from flat to short term let. Refused 17.05.2024. 29.01.2025 Local Review Body decision -Uphold (application refused).”

“It is recommended that this application be Refused subject to the details below.”

“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.”

“Although the application property has its own main entrance door, the character of the immediate area is predominantly residential. Neither the care home nor the community centre are immediately adjacent. The use of this property as an STL would introduce an increased frequency of movement to the property, the rear private garden, and the shared car parking area in front of the main residential block where there are neighbours' windows immediately above on the first floor.”

“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.”

“A total of 30 representations have been received, and all are in support. It is noted that one commenter in support has submitted a duplicate comment and 11 commenters have given no reasons for supporting the proposal.”

“- Property is well managed. - There are no known issues with the STL use.”

“25/04876/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.”