Aberdeen townhouse no longer allowed to be used as holiday let amid complaints

A Spital townhouse in Aberdeen will no longer be allowed to be used as a holiday home after claims it is “far too small” for 12 guests.

Craig McPetrie wanted to change the use of the Old Aberdeen property into a short-term let.

The two-and-a-half-storey house has six double bedrooms and boasts three large bathrooms as well as a private garden.

It also has a garage, but it can only be used for storage as it isn’t big enough for a car.

The property has been used as a holiday home since 2018, and bookings can still be made online until December 23.

Council planners had refused the change because they claimed that having 12 people in the building would negatively affect neighbours in terms of noise, safety, and security.

They believed guests partying all night and through to the early hours would upset those living nearby.

The council’s waste team lodged an objection because they believed there weren’t enough bins for the large number of guests expected.

Old Aberdeen Community Council raised concerns too.

It was worried that the vast amount of visitors could cause potential parking pressures in the area.

The group was also concerned about the “community erosion” of the Spital, given the increasing conversion of residential flats to holiday lets.

Neighbour Richard Harwood said potential noise and anti-social activities would harm residents and “undermine their sense of security and belonging to their neighbourhood”.

While Dr Bill Harrison claimed the house was “far too small” for 12 people.

The application recently went before Aberdeen City Council’s local review body in a bid to overturn the refusal.

But, councillors believed the right decision had been made.

They were worried about striking a balance between the number of guests versus the surrounding permanent residents.

Following a brief discussion they unanimously agreed to support planners and uphold the refusal.