Agenda item

Copies of the following papers attached:-

There had been circulated copies of the request from David and Claire McTaggart, per RG Licence Architect, Hillend, Cliftonhill, Kelso for review of refusal of the planning application in respect of the change of use of steading, alterations and extension to form dwellinghouse (revision to planning permission 17/00915/FUL) at Billerwell Farm, Hawick.  The supporting papers included the Notice of Review; Decision Notice; Officer’s Report; papers referred to in the officer’s report; consultations; and a list of relevant policies. Members noted that there was a previous valid consent for conversion of the steading building into a dwellinghouse and agreed that the building was suitable for conversion.  Their ensuing discussion focussed on the proposed revision of the design and layout which was sought by the applicant to improve the residential accommodation. In particular Members considered the impact of the proposed increased height and scale on the character of the building and the surrounding farm steading and after lengthy debate their opinions remained divided.

VOTE

Councillor Hamilton, seconded by Councillor Mountford, moved that the decision to refuse the application be reversed and the application approved.

Councillor Aitchison, seconded by Councillor Laing, moved as an amendment that the decision to refuse the application be upheld.

On a show of hands Members voted as follows:-

Motion             - 5 votes

Amendment     - 4 votes

The motion was accordingly carried and the application approved.

DECISION

DECIDED 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 and informatives, for the    reasons detailed in Appendix II to this Minute.