A HOMEOWNER who faced objections from elderly neighbours over plans to use it as a holiday let will face a review of her licence after 18 months.

Concerns over parking in a shared courtyard saw East Lothian Council’s licensing sub committee grant a change of use to the house in Haddington, but only for 18 months instead of the standard three years.

Previously, members of the committee had delayed a decision on allowing the property, off Langriggs in the town, to be used as a short-term holiday home so they could carry out a site visit.

At the time, committee members heard that residents living in nearby elderly community Carlyle Court were concerned it would disturb sick or dying members who wanted to spend their final days at home.

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Patricia Oliver, who lives on the court and represented its residents during the meeting, said many of the residents' bedrooms were at the back of the court, a "stone’s throw" from the house.

She told the meeting: “Carlyle Court was originally built with the elderly in mind and current residents range from the age of 70 to their late 90s.

“Some relatives are quite frail and others have long term medical illnesses. Five of my neighbours have passed away following a period of end of life care in their own homes and during this time we were mindful of the need for quiet.

“Any noise from weekend guests having barbecues etc has the potential to cause distress at such times.”

Applicant Elizabeth Doig had also faced objections from neighbours who shared a gated yard with her and who had described the requested change of use as  "life-changing" for their family as the claimed it left them unable to let the children play safely outdoors.

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However, after a visit to the property, committee members were split over the issue with Councillor Carol McFarlane saying the elderly complex was "quite close" to the rental house while Councillor Cher Cassini said a gate into the garden of the house could be locked to avoid visitors using it.

And Councillor Cassini pointed out that the neighbours who shared the yard ran a business from their home and added: "If it is acceptable for their customers to use the yard, then it is suitable for the holiday let.”

Councillor Colin McGinn, committee chairperson, expressed concern that parking in the yard would become an issue, saying there would have to be co-operation between the neighbours.

He recommended a short licence of 18 months to allow the parking situation to be reviewed sooner than normal which was unanimously approved by the committee.