Agenda item

Copies of the following papers attached:-

CONTINUATION OF REVIEW 22/00039/RREF

7.1     With reference to paragraph 8 of the Minute of 20 February 2023, the Local Review Body continued their consideration of a request from James Neil and Son per Sam Edwards, 37 One George Street, Edinburgh to review the decision to refuse the planning application for the erection of holiday let accommodation on Land North East of Runningburn Farm, Stichill.  The supporting papers included the written submissions from the Planning Officer and Applicant in respect of NPF4; written submissions from the Planning Officer and Applicant in respect of new information; Notice of Review (including the Decision Notice and Officer’s Report); Papers referred to in the Officer’s report; Additional Information and Consultation Replies.

7.2     Members considered the principle of the development under Policy ED7 and whilst they noted that the Appointed Officer considered the submitted Business Plan did not provide sufficient economic benefit to outweigh the environmental impacts of the development, Members accepted the Business Plan on the basis of farm diversification and the contribution such accommodation would make to the existing wedding venue business at the farm.  Members considered the criteria set down in Policy ED7 and PMD2 on siting, landscape and relationship with adjoining uses and, having carried out an accompanied site inspection, saw the benefits of the location in a secluded position, in place of an existing building, distant from other properties and hidden from the nearest public road. In terms of the access, Members noted that the Roads Officer was content with the alternative access route, which had less potential conflict with the farm steading and subject to conditions, including a condition securing the details and completion of the alternative access route, the Review Body concluded that the development was in accordance with the accessibility requirements of Policies PMD2 and ED7.

              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;

(c)     NPF4 Policies did not alter their conclusion.

(d)     the officer’s decision to refuse the application be overturned and the  application approved, for the reasons detailed in Appendix I to this Minute.