Plans to convert two former farm worker cottages on Drum Street in Edinburgh into holiday lets have been rejected by council planners. The cottages, located within the historic Drum Estate, were proposed to be used as short-term accommodation, with one of the cottages already operating as a holiday let prior to the application. However, the council has deemed the loss of residential accommodation to be unjustified.
The Drum Estate is home to a walled garden and is designated as of national importance by Historic Scotland. The estate features an A-listed Palladian-style mansion designed by William Adam, as well as the C-listed cottages in question. The estate is jointly owned by the More Nisbett family and the South-east Edinburgh Development Company.
The applicant, Billy More Nisbitt, had plans to operate the cottages as holiday lets, with one cottage accommodating up to three people and the other up to five to six people. The proposed average stay for guests was three to seven nights, with the properties being occupied for half of the year.
Despite the economic benefits of providing tourist accommodation to the city, council planners have emphasized that the loss of residential accommodation has not been justified in this case. The refusal of the development plans highlights the importance of preserving residential properties within the city.
The decision to reject the plans reflects the council’s commitment to maintaining a balance between tourist accommodation and residential housing in Edinburgh. This decision also underscores the significance of preserving historic buildings and landscapes within the city, such as the Drum Estate.
Moving forward, it will be crucial for developers and property owners to consider the impact of their plans on the local community and the city as a whole. Balancing the needs of tourists with the preservation of residential properties is essential for sustainable development in Edinburgh.
