St Nicholas Mews, Aberdeen
Converting a traditional granite flat in Aberdeen's city centre into compliant short-term let (Airbnb) accommodation, securing planning consent and STL licensing.
From City-Centre Flat to Compliant Airbnb
St Nicholas Mews is a traditional granite building in the heart of Aberdeen. Our client sought to convert an upper-floor flat into short-term let accommodation — an increasingly popular use class in Scotland's energy-city rental market, but one that now sits within a tightly regulated planning and licensing framework.
We prepared and submitted planning application 260711/DPP to Aberdeen City Council, proposing the change of use from residential to short-term let with a maximum occupancy of four guests. The application was validated in June 2026, marking a key milestone toward lawful Airbnb operation.
Beyond planning consent, the project also navigates Scotland's Short-Term Let licensing scheme — a dual-track requirement that combines council planning approval with a host licence. Our role covered the planning drawings, compliance documentation, and licensing support needed to bring the property to market legally.
Key Facts
- Location
- St Nicholas Mews, Aberdeen AB10 1HF, Scotland
- Project Type
- Change of Use to Short-Term Let (Airbnb)
- Property
- Traditional granite flat, Aberdeen city centre
- Use Class
- Residential → Short-Term Let
- Planning Reference
- 260711/DPP
- Authority
- Aberdeen City Council
- Validated
- June 2026
- Max Occupancy
- 4 people
What the Project Involved
Planning
- Change of use application (260711/DPP)
- Short-term let compliance assessment
- Conservation area considerations
- Aberdeen City Council liaison
Design
- Internal layout for STL use
- Guest amenity provisions
- Fire safety and access strategy
Licensing
- Scottish STL licensing scheme compliance
- Host licence application support
- Safety documentation pack
- Insurance and guest management guidance
Key Considerations
Conservation Area Setting
St Nicholas Mews sits within Aberdeen's historic granite city centre. The conversion respects the traditional building fabric while adapting the interior for modern short-term let hospitality use.
Scottish STL Licensing
Scotland's Short-Term Let licensing scheme requires both planning consent and a host licence. We coordinated both tracks to ensure the property could operate legally as an Airbnb.
Occupancy & Safety
A maximum occupancy of 4 guests was set to balance comfort, safety, and neighbour amenity. Fire safety, escape routes, and guest information were designed to meet council requirements.
Interior Adaptation
The flat's interior was reconfigured to provide guest-ready accommodation with appropriate sleeping, cooking, and bathroom facilities suited to short-stay visitors.
Our Involvement
Key Milestones
Brief & Feasibility
CompleteAssessed the property's suitability for short-term let use and confirmed the planning and licensing requirements with Aberdeen City Council.
Design & Drawings
CompletePrepared internal layout drawings and supporting documents for the change of use application.
Planning Submission
CompleteSubmitted planning application 260711/DPP, validated by Aberdeen City Council in June 2026.
Licensing & Launch
In ProgressSupporting the host licence application under Scotland's STL scheme to enable lawful Airbnb operation.
Planning a Change of Use to Airbnb?
Whether you're converting a flat in Aberdeen or anywhere else in the UK, we can guide you through planning consent and short-term let licensing from start to finish.