Agenda item

Copies of the following papers attached:-

ORDER OF BUSINESS

The Chairman explained that, due to the number of reviews on the agenda, there would be a break for lunch after Item 7.  Consideration of the reviews of applications 19/00386/FUL and 17/01368/FUL would not commence before 1.00 pm.

There had been circulated copies of the request from Borders Low Carbon Developments Ltd, per Ferguson Planning, Shiel House, 54 Island Street, Galashiels, to review refusal of the planning application for erection of four dwellinghouses on land west of Thornwood Lodge, Weensland Road, Hawick.  The supporting papers included the Notice of Review; Decision Notice; Officer’s Report; papers referred to in the Officer’s Report; Consultations; Objections; and a list of policies. Members accepted that this was an infill site, noting that outline planning permission had previously been granted for three houses on a slightly larger site.  Their ensuing discussion focussed on the design of the proposed houses and the layout of the development, in terms of degree of setback. Particular attention was given to the contemporary features of the design which were associated with the low carbon approach to the development.  Members’ opinion was divided on these issues.

VOTE

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

Councillor Small, seconded by Councillor Fullarton, 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     - 3 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 was consistent 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.