The Development Management Sub-Committee met to discuss a range of planning applications, with a focus on short-term lets and tree preservation orders. The committee approved an application for antennas at 5 Roxburgh Place, but refused permission for all retrospective short term let applications. They also confirmed two tree preservation orders, and varied another.

Short-Term Let Applications

The committee considered numerous applications for retrospective change of use to short-term let accommodation, and refused them all. In each case, the Chief Planning Officer had recommended refusal, and the committee agreed that the proposals did not comply with Local Development Plan Policy Hou 6 and National Planning Framework 4 policy 30(e). The reasons for refusal were that the use of the properties as short term lets would have a detrimental effect on the living conditions and amenity of nearby residents, and that the loss of residential accommodation had not been justified.

The applications considered were:

• 75 Brunswick Street
• 25 Cheyne Street
• 1F2, 5 Gibson Terrace, Polwarth
• 7 Great King Street
• Flat 2, 20 Lochrin Place, Tollcross
• Flat 2, 24 Lochrin Place, Tollcross
• Flat 4 124 Lothian Road
• 30 Oxgangs Crescent, Firrhill
• Flat 14, 10 Pilrig Heights, Pilrig
• 1F2 19 Royal Park Terrace
• 3F2 62 Thistle Street
• 3F2 17 Union Place
• 1F2 100 West Bow

The reports provided to the committee noted that many representations in support of the applications were received, often highlighting the economic benefits of short-term lets and stating that the STL use would comply with licensing requirements. However, the reports also noted that the operators are unable to have complete control over the behaviour of guests as there is no full-time on-site management presence.

The reports also referenced an independent economic impact assessment commissioned by the Planning Service, which concluded that in general the gross value added effects are greater for residential uses than short-term lets across all property types and areas.

Tree Preservation Orders

The committee considered and confirmed Tree Preservation Order (TPO) No. 231 at 25 – 27 North Junction Street, Edinburgh. The TPO protects one Acer species tree and a group of Birch trees. A report to the committee noted that an objection had been received from the Leith School of Art, stating that the trees were responsible for blocking the main lateral drain to the property resulting in sewerage ingress, and that Scottish Water had stated the trees had been planted too close to the drain. However, the report stated that tree roots cannot break into healthy intact drains and pipework, and that engineered solutions exist to repair drains and pipework.

The committee also confirmed Tree Preservation Order No. 230 at 1-3 Pitsligo Road, Edinburgh. The TPO protects three sycamore trees. A report to the committee noted that an objection had been received stating that the trees were diseased and were damaging the boundary wall. However, the report stated that the trees appeared to be in reasonable condition, and their removal would be considered excessive.

The committee also considered a variation of Tree Preservation Order No. 206 (Western Harbour). The committee agreed to vary the order to exclude a woodland area which was not properly served.

Planning Application at Land 60 Metres West of 1 Ford's Road, Stenhouse

The committee considered an application for a new residential development of 11 dwellings at Land 60 metres west of 1 Ford's Road. The Chief Planning Officer recommended that the application be refused due to flood risk. The committee agreed to refuse the application, as it did not comply with NPF4 Policy 22 (Flood risk and water management) or with LDP Policy Env 35 (Reducing Flood Risk).

Rose Street Applications

The committee considered two applications relating to 204 Rose Street, Edinburgh, the former Charlotte Baptist Chapel: an application for listed building consent for internal refurbishment to form a hotel with a cafe/bar area in the roof, external works and associated roof plant (25/02944/LBC), and an application for planning permission for change of use of the Rose Theatre to a hotel and associated cafe / bar area in the roof, external alterations and associated roof plant (25/02951/FUL).

The Chief Planning Officer recommended that both applications be refused, and the committee agreed. The reasons for refusal were that the works did not have special regard to the desirability of preserving the listed building and would harm its special architectural and historic interest.

Application for Antennas at 5 Roxburgh Place

The committee considered an application for the installation of 12 antennas on support poles, installation of 2 dishes and ancillary development at 5 Roxburgh Place. The Chief Planning Officer recommended that the application be granted, and the committee agreed.

Application for Land West of 31 Bath Road, Edinburgh

The committee considered an application for proposed business (office), general industrial, storage or distribution, training facility with ancillary retail, food & drink and associated development including parking at Land 170 metres west of 31 Bath Road, Edinburgh. The Chief Planning Officer recommended that the application be granted, and the committee agreed.