Agenda item

Copies of the following papers attached:-

With reference to paragraph 1 of the Minute of 15 July 2019 and following an unaccompanied site visit, there had been re-circulated copies of the request from Mrs Claire MacTaggart, per Ferguson Planning, 54 Island Street, Galashiels, to review refusal of the planning application for erection of three holiday lodges, access and associated infrastructure on land west of 1 Hallrule Farm Cottage, Bonchester Bridge. The supporting papers included the Notice of Review; Decision Notice; Officer’s Report; papers referred to in Officer’s Report; Consultations; Objections; and a list of policies. In response to the request from Members, there had also been circulated additional information in the form of written submissions and a response from the appointed planning officer.  Members agreed that the site visit had been helpful in assisting them to visualise the proposed lodges and their relationship with the surrounding landscape.  In considering the business case and additional information submitted they noted the detailed market research carried out that strengthened the proposal and that Economic Development supported the business case put forward.  In noting that the visual impact of the proposed development was likely to be minimal due to its location in a secluded valley, they went on to consider any other possible impact on the landscape and local habitat.  They also considered in detail the conditions that could be used to control occupation of the units and to mitigate any impact on the surrounding area. After detailed discussion Members concluded that the development would, with the conditions agreed, be acceptable.

DECISION

AGREED that:-

(a)          the review could be considered without the need for any further procedure on the basis of the papers submitted, the site visit and the additional information provided;

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

(c)          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 Ill to this Minute