Agenda item

Copies of the following papers attached:-

There had been circulated copies of the request from Mr D. Howard, Kilknowe Park, Wood Street, Galashiels, for review of refusal of the retrospective planning application for change of use to joiner’s workshop and showroom; caravan repairs and sales; car valet; and siting of catering unit at Redburn Garage, Peebles Road, Galashiels.  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 policies. Members noted that this site had previously been used for car sales and repairs and accepted therefore that business use of this site had been established. They also noted that the proposals included five different uses of the site and considered that these business elements could be dependent on and mutually beneficial to each other.  It was surmised that refusing one or two of these uses could affect the viability of the overall mix.  In accepting this, Members went on to discuss the roadside location, the retail element, the layout and in particular the visual impact of the range of structures currently on the site. 

DECISION

AGREED:-

(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 for the reasons detailed in Appendix III to this Minute

MEMBERS

Having not been present at the site visit for the following review, Councillors Laing and Mountford did not take part in the determination. Councillor Fullarton had not been present when this review was first considered so did not take part in the site visit nor the determination.  These Councillors left the Chamber prior to its consideration.