Plans for Edinburgh city centre seven-bedroom holiday let set to be rejected
Plans for a seven-bedroom Edinburgh city centre holiday let are set to be rejected despite the flat having already operated as a short term let for 10 years.
The owner of 4 Hill Street, between North Castle Street and Frederick Street, submitted a change of use application to the council to turn the residential flat into a short term let.
Despite 20 letters of support from the local area, council planners have recommended the proposals be refused during this week's development management sub committee meeting.
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The A-listed building is a terraced townhouse extending over three floors and includes seven bedrooms. It has main door access from Hill Street and there is no shared garden or amenity space.
The owner submitted an STL application to the council despite operating as a holiday let since 2014, with no internal or physical changes proposed. In December 2005 the property obtained permission for a change of use to a boutique bed and breakfast but it was never taken up.
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However, the final decision will come from councillors during Wednesday's meeting, with planners stating the loss of residential accommodation "has not been justified."
They wrote: "The proposal complies with Sections 59 and 64 of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) (Scotland) Act 1997 as it will not harm the listed building, or its setting and it will preserve the appearance of the conservation area.
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"The change of use of this property to a short-term let (STL) is acceptable in terms of 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 loss of residential accommodation.
"The proposal does not comply with the Development Plan policy NPF 4 policy 30(e) ii. There are no material considerations that outweigh this conclusion. The proposal is unacceptable."