Agenda item

Copies of the following papers attached:-

There had been circulated copies of the request from Mr and Mrs Ferguson, per Ferguson Planning, Shiel House, 54 Island Street, Galashiels, for review of refusal of the planning application in respect of the erection of a dwellinghouse and detached garage/stable on land North East of River Cottage, Linthill, Melrose. The supporting papers included the Notice of Review (including the Officer’s Report); Decision Notice, papers referred to in the Officer’s Report; support comment; consultations; and a list of relevant policies. Members agreed that the indicative elevation drawing submitted with the Notice of Review met the test set out in Section 43B of the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997 and could be considered. Having agreed that there was a building group at Linthill they focussed their discussion on whether the proposed site was an appropriate addition to the building group.  They noted that the erection of a garage associated with River Cottage already formed an extension to the building group. The view of the majority of Members was that, provided a strong wooded boundary was established to the east of the proposed site the erection of a dwellinghouse at that location would complement the sense of place and would enhance the building group.  Councillor Aitchison held an opposing view and proposed that the officer’s decision be upheld but there was no seconder to this motion.

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 indicative elevation drawing submitted with the Notice of Review documentation met the test set out in Section 43B of the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997 and could be taken into consideration;

(c)          the review could be considered without the need for any further procedure on the basis of the site visit and the papers submitted;

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

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