PLANS have been submitted to convert a former office block into short term serviced accommodation near London Road.
It is thought that the block would serve tourists and be more of an “Airbnb style accommodation”, according to neighbours familiar with the plans.
The developers behind the proposal, Hobbs Planning, declined to comment on the proposal but confirmed that the development would not be for student lets.
The Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) occupies part of the building, but reportedly sold the top three floors to the applicant, Oilmews Ltd.
Short term let applications have surged in the last few years.
The applicant was unable to be reached for comment.
The application submitted on the City of Edinburgh Council website states the plans as a “change of use from class four (office) to aparthotel (sui generis), and external changes and erection of plant equipment”.
Out of two comments on the council’s planning portal, the application received two objections.
The council has seen a significant number of proposals surrounding short term lets, including a total of 12 being decided on by the licensing sub-committee on Tuesday.
Deadline News has yet to verify the outcome of the applications, as they have been given restricted status.
The rise in short term lets comes as the tourist levy is set to come into force in the summer of 2026.
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