Seasonal holiday accommodation at 12-, 18 Lower Gilmore Place, Fountainbridge, Edinburgh

“Proposal: Use of student accommodation as short term holiday accommodation from 1 May to 31 August annually.”

“Planning permission is sought for the change of use from student accommodation to STL (sui generis) use for a period of four months from 01 May to 31 August annually. It is proposed that each studio unit may accommodate up to a maximum of two guests meaning that the property can accommodate up to a maximum of 162 STL guests at any one time.”

“The application relates to a four-storey purpose built student accommodation (PBSA) development located on the southern side of Lower Gilmore Place overlooking the Union Canal. The building is currently under construction and is due to be completed in June 2026. There will be a total of 81 studios contained in the building, each studio will accommodate a maximum of one student. Page 135 Agenda Item 4.11”

“The immediate area of Lower Gilmore Place is predominantly residential. Although Lower Gilmore Place is predominantly residential, there is a moderate level of footfall given the footbridge which connects Lower Gilmore Place and Fountainbridge. The surrounding area contains a mix of uses including a hotel, a nursery and offices. The close proximity to the Lochrin Basin also contributes to the pattern of activity in the area.”

“12-18 Lower Gilmore Place Edinburgh EH3 9NY 22/06109/FUL 21 June 2023 application referred to the Development Management Sub Committee with a recommendation to grant planning permission. The Sub-Committee resolved to refuse the application as the proposals failed to deliver an appropriate design in terms of the ground floor and the relationship to the canal and street edge and because the proposals contained 100% studio flats which is contrary to the Non-statutory guidance…”

“Lower Gilmore Place Edinburgh EH3 9NY 25/00554/FULSTL Use of student accommodation as short term holiday accommodation from 1 May to 31 August annually. Application Granted - Committee Decision 11 June 2025”

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

“The change of use of the student accommodation to short term let use (STL) between May and August will not have a materially detrimental effect on the living conditions of nearby residents or an unacceptable impact on the character of the area. The proposal complies with the Development Plan policies LDP Hou 6, Env 33 and NPF4 30(e)(i).”

“It is recognised that the proposed use of the PBSA building as an STL would enable visitors to arrive and stay at the premises for short periods of time between May and August, and there will likely be a level of noise associated with this use, particularly given the size of the building. There is also likely to be additional servicing required for the STL use which would contribute to an increase in movement to and from the property during the daytime.”

“However, the application premises will be used as student accommodation for 81 students for the remainder of the year. The neighbouring student accommodation use means that the area is already subject to a transient population which generates a level of noise and activity within the area. Although there is a communal courtyard to the rear of the application property, this is bounded by a Class 5 use, a windowless gable wall and the first-floor of a nursery.”

“Date of Neighbour Notification: October 2025 Date of Renotification of Neighbour Notification: Not Applicable Press Publication Date(s): November 2025 Page 137”

“Eight representations were received, six of which were objecting to the application and two comments were in support. A summary of the representations is provided below:”

“- The property is located within a residential area. - Negative impact on residential amenity. - Lack of management - The proposal will result in overlooking to residential towards the residential gardens. - Increase in parking. - Negative impact on community cohesion. - Proposal is contrary to LDP Policies Hou 6 and Env 33.”

“25/05344/FULSTL – Report by the Chief Planning Officer To GRANT planning permission subject to the conditions, reasons and informatives as set out in section C of the report by the Chief Planning Officer.”

“The development to which this permission relates must be begun not later than the expiration of three year beginning with the date on which this permission is granted. If development has not begun at the expiration of this period, the planning permission lapses.”

“Planning permission hereby granted is limited to a change of use to short term let (STL) for the period 01 May to 31 August in every calendar year. From 01 September to 30 April in every calendar year, the premises shall revert to its authorised use as a purpose built student accommodation.”