Julie Nulty’s appeal to operate her North Berwick flat as a holiday let was denied due to residential concerns.
Planners didn’t like her rental business, so they denied her request for a certificate. This certificate would let it stay a short-term rental. She appealed, but she lost again.
The flat is near the beach, only 50 meters away and there’s lots of holiday stuff around. Even so, the official said it felt “residential”. Julie and her husband planned to rent it out because they thought the area already had rentals.
They even put up signs for guests. The signs asked guests to respect the neighbors, but some people complained about short-term rentals. They said those signs actually proved issues.
One person said guests often ignored residents’ needs. The official didn’t visit the flat but decided they had enough information.
The official said short-term rentals are different than long-term residents living there. It changes how the property is used too much. Because of that, they needed permission, but since she didn’t get permission, her business is unlawful.