Serviced Apartments – Crichton’s Close
Posted on: August 9, 2023
There seems to be a lack of any over-arching vision, strategy or action plan to balance the requirements of all local businesses and all local residents in the Old Town area
Address: 4 Crichton’s Close Edinburgh EH8 8DT
Proposal: Change of use – vacant office accommodation to 18 No. serviced apartments (Sui Generis). Alterations include internal partitions, new fire escape stair. New double glazing throughout, new protective barriers to allow for safe window cleaning /safe access onto balconies, minor external alterations to entrance to improve existing lobby roof.
Reference No: 23/02908/FUL
Closing date for comments: Fri 18 Aug 2023
Determination date: Fri 4 Sep 2023
Cockburn Response
It is acknowledged that serviced holiday apartments, as proposed, may cause a more limited impact on surrounding homes and offices than holiday properties with no on-site management.
However, in the context of ever expanding provision for the needs and requirements of transient populations in the Old Town, including tourists. The Cockburn is increasingly concerned that there seems to be a lack of any over-arching vision, strategy or action plan to balance the requirements of all local businesses and all local residents in the Old Town area.
The continuing expansion of holiday-related accommodation in the Old Town has considerable potential to negatively impact on the lives and quality of life of long-term residents as it has already done in many European capitals, some of whom are now actively engaging in destination management to re-balance the needs and expectations of their residents and other stakeholders.