FEARS have been raised that Haddington could follow in the footsteps of North Berwick with an increase in short-term holiday lets.
Recent research suggested that about 50 per cent of accommodation in the centre of North Berwick was short-term lets or second homes.
Plans for the change-of-use of a home on Haddington’s Wemyss Place were greeted by objectors, who pointed to the proliferation of and issues surrounding short-term holiday lets in North Berwick.
However, East Lothian Council approved the change of use at the home.
Names and addresses of those objecting to the proposals were redacted by East Lothian Council.
One objector said: “Some nearby towns have allowed short-term holiday rentals to become prolific (North Berwick) to the detriment to the quality of life of the local population.
“Please do not allow Haddington to follow this trend.”
Another objector was concerned that there could be anti-social behaviour at the property, which would then affect the lives of neighbours.
They described the area as having “a strong community spirit” and said: “An application like this could set a precedent for other properties in this area to be swallowed up by investors with short-term lets in mind, thereby diluting [the] community.
“Although the agents promise total control of the behaviour of the short-term tenants, there is no guarantee this happens in practice.
“The impact of such short-term lets in North Berwick is a salutary tale that Haddington residents are very aware of and are deeply concerned about.”
Liam Kirk’s application noted that there would be no alterations to the building, either internally or externally.
At the same time, the applicant highlighted that those staying in the property would be there for a minimum of three nights and a maximum of four weeks.
When plans were lodged, a supporting document noted that the two-bedroom home would be managed by “a local agency specialising in high-quality accommodation and servicing”.
It went on: “The proposal is not intended to be a soulless Airbnb but rather a luxury self-catering property in a homely period house where guests can enjoy services including a warm knowledgeable check-in process providing help with luggage and a tour of the property, handover of keys and questions answered about the property and local area, courtesy call [to] the guest to check all is well within 24 hours of their arrival, 100 per cent hotel-quality cotton white linen, towels and bath mats per bedroom and bathroom and 24/7 call out should a problem or emergency arise.”
Other concerns from objectors included the enforcement of traffic restrictions, which prevent the movement of vehicles – with certain exemptions – during school pick-up and drop-off times.
One objector said: “The current chaotic traffic conditions and irresponsible parking of parents dropping off and picking up schoolchildren along with visitors for the bowling green on Victoria Road and Wemyss Place has been flagged to the council many times in the past. Things have not improved.
“Getting different visitors on a weekly or perhaps daily basis with no knowledge of the school traffic and restrictions will not help.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here