Agenda item

Copies of the following papers attached:-

            review of 21/00035/RREF

There had been circulated copies of the request from Buccleuch Estates Ltd c/o Ferguson Planning, 54 Island Street, Galashiels to review the decision to refuse the planning application for the conversion of existing barn to Residential dwelling with associated amenity, parking, infrastructure and access.  The supporting papers included the Notice of Review; Decision Notice; Officer’s Report; papers referred to in the Officer’s Report; Consultations, additional information, objection comments, general comments and a list of policies.  After considering all relevant information, the Local Review Body concluded that the proposal was contrary to Part C of policy HD2 of the Local Development Plan 2016 in that the building had little architectural or historic merit and was not physically suited for residential use. The structural survey had not demonstrated that the building was capable of conversion without significant demolition and changes to the structure. The proposal was also contrary to policy PMD2 of the Local Development Plan 2016 as the development would not be compatible with or respectful to the neighbouring built form. The scale, massing and height would result in a building out of character, unattractive and overbearing in relation to existing houses in the village. The Local Review Body also concluded that as the proposal intended works and demolition to an extent that represented new-build replacement, the development was contrary to policy PMD4 of the Local Development Plan 2016 as the site was outwith the development boundary for Eckford and the proposal did not satisfy the criteria within the policy for exceptional circumstances. Members also considered that the proposal would result in the loss of prime agricultural land, contrary to policy ED10 of the Local Development Plan and did not meet any of the exceptions in that policy.

DECISION

AGREED that:-

(a)        the request for 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 further procedure on the basis of the papers submitted;

(b)          The proposal was contrary to policies PMD4, Part C of policy HD2, policy PMD2 and to policy ED10 of the Local Development Plan 2016.

(d)       the officer’s decision to refuse the application be upheld, for the reasons detailed in Appendix III to this Minute.