Canonbie house plans opposed

A BID by Buccleuch Estates to build a house in an agricultural field in Canonbie is being opposed by residents living nearby. The company is seeking planning permission in principle to build a single one-and-half storey home with access to the B7201 road. A formal planning application was submitted to Dumfries and Galloway Council last May, but was rejected by planning chiefs on the grounds that it failed to comply with local development plan policies or guidance on housing in the countryside. However, an appeal has been lodged by Buccleuch Estates, which is due to go before the council’s local review body next Thursday. A report prepared for that meeting confirmed that full details of the proposed dwelling have not been submitted at this stage, but states that the chosen location doesn’t fall within the settlement boundary lines. There are three houses across the road from the application site, however these properties are around 100m away. Two of the householders have submitted objections to Dumfries and Galloway Council over the house building plans, citing concerns to the proposal being outwith the settlement boundary and that it “would result in ribbon development in the rural area.” These residents also argued that proposal may impact negatively on the adjacent road network and road safety, and shared concerns about the house overshadowing and overlooking their properties.

Meanwhile, the council roads department expressed concerns over visibility from the proposed access, which is down to hedges at the site and at a neighbour’s garden. Lucy Moroney, of Ferguson Planning in Galashiels, submitted the appeal on behalf of Buccleuch Estates. She countered arguments that the proposed house contravened local development plan policies and also stated that “careful consideration” has been given to the positioning of the house to avoid blocking sunlight for other residents and respecting their privacy. Miss Moroney stated: “The proposal has been carefully positioned and designed, ensuring there is a good level of amenity for future occupiers and providing good quality standards using sustainable methods. “It will be a high quality building material and supported by renewable technology. The impact of the proposed dwelling in the landscape is considered to be negligible and therefore acceptable in landscape terms.” The agent argued that the house design will be sympathetic to the group of buildings already in the area and does not extend beyond any building boundaries. She continued: “The proposal will deliver local investment in trade employment, whilst expanding purchasing power in the local economy and supporting existing rural services.” Councillors sitting on the local review body panel will weigh up all arguments next Thursday before making a decision.