East Lothian holiday flat operator says he saved 'neglected' property
A short term let operator claims his investment in a 'neglected' town centre flat saved it from damaging the surrounding conservation area.
Jitendra Naran, who lives in Sandford, Oxfordshire, has appealed to Scottish Ministers to intervene after East Lothian Council ordered him to stop using the flat on Dunbar High Street as a holiday let.
But while East Lothian planners said the short term rental was not compatible with residential living in the property, Mr Naran has appealed saying the flat contributes to the local economy and improved the look of the building.
In an appeal statement, he said: "Significant investment has gone into refurbishing this long neglected property to bring it up to modern standards.
"Had the flat remained in its previous condition, it risked becoming detrimental to the conservation area. Instead, it is now an attractive, well-managed residence that contributes positively to Dunbar's town centre.
"There are a couple of other flats inhabited and one currently unsold recently coming to the market."
Mr Naran has appealed to Scottish Ministers to reject an enforcement notice served by the council after planners rejected a retrospective application for a change of use of the flat from residential to short term let.
Planners said the use of the top floor flat in the Category B listed building as a short term holiday let was " incompatible with and harmful to the
amenity of the occupiers of the properties within the residential building".
However Mr Naran said he had appealed against the decision through the council;s Local Review system but received no reply.
He has asked Scottish Ministers to reject the enforcement notice issued by the council and seek 'clarification' over reasons for the refusal and demand to stop operating.
In his appeal to the council he said that the flat had been used during the pandemic to support key workers and he had worked with local businesses and community to build a relationship providing the accommodation for professionals who needed accommodation in the town.
He urged Ministers to intervene saying he was willing to work with the council to find a solution adding: "I remain fully open to working with the council to regularise the works through retrospective consent or minor
amendments, if necessary.
"My request is for a balanced and reasonable approach that reflects the improvements made and the broader public benefit. This matter should be resolved constructively, not punitively."
The appeal has lodged by the Scottish Government Reporter on the DPEA appeal website.
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