Agenda item

Copies of the following papers attached:-

There had been circulated copies of the request from Mr A. Anderson, per Ferguson Planning, Shiel House, 54 Island Street, Galashiels, to review the refusal of the planning application for erection of two dwellinghouses in paddock south of and incorporating part garden ground of 1 Cowdenburn Cottages, West Linton.  Included in the supporting papers were the Notice of Review (including the Decision Notice, Officer’s Report and Consultations); papers referred to in the Officer’s Report; and a list of policies. In their opening discussion Members agreed that a building group existed at Cowdenburn Cottages and that there was capacity to increase the number in the group by up to two additional dwellinghouses.  Members went on to discuss whether the site would more appropriately accommodate one rather than two houses, in terms of the character of the building group.  They also considered the potential impact of the development on trees and were particularly concerned about the protection of the mature Sycamore which was next to the proposed access to the site.  After a lengthy debate, Members’ opinion remained divided.

VOTE

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

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

On a show of hands Members voted as follows:-

Motion             - 4 votes

Amendment     - 4 votes

The Chairman used his casting vote in favour of the motion which 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 a legal agreement, for the reasons detailed in Appendix II to this Minute.