Agenda item

Copies of the following papers attached:-

There had been circulated copies of the request from Mr G. Bain, per G53 Design Ltd, 209 Muirshiel Crescent, Glasgow for review of refusal of the planning application in respect of change of use of agricultural buildings and alterations to form 11 No dwellinghouses south east of Merlewood, Hutton Castle Barns, Hutton. The supporting papers included the Notice of Review; Decision Notice; officer’s report; papers referred to in the officer’s report; consultations; support comments; objections; further representation (in support); further representation (objection); response to the further representations; and a list of relevant policies. Members were advised that, as indicated in the documentation, the original proposal for 12 units had been amended to 11 by the removal of Unit 1 and that this had been the basis for consideration by the Appointed Planning Officer.  In their initial discussion Members agreed that, as a means to secure long term use of the traditional farm steading buildings, the proposal for residential conversion had significant merit. However they debated at length whether this would be outweighed by the potential impact of the development on the viability of the neighbouring working farm and the potential impact of current and future farming operations on the residential amenity of the proposed conversion.  In their discussion Members noted the current mix of residential and agricultural uses already within the building group and also considered other matters relating to the application including drainage, access and parking, the requirement for ecological surveys and the requirement for development contributions.

DECISION

AGREED that:-

(a)        the request for a review had been competently made in terms of Section 43A of the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997;

(b)       the review could be considered without the need for any further procedure on the basis of the papers submitted;

(c)        the proposal would be in keeping with the Development Plan; and

(d)       the officer’s decision to refuse the application be reversed and planning permission be granted subject to conditions, informatives and a legal agreement,  for the reasons detailed in Appendix I to this Minute.