Councillors throw out planning appeal

A BID to turn a garden room at the rear of a Kirkcudbright property into short-term holiday letting accommodation has been refused. Councillors threw out a planning appeal this week, agreeing with planning officials that the proposal was “incompatible with the residential character of the area.” The local review body met to consider the appeal against the refusal of planning permission for the building at Meikleyett House, 134 High Street. Applicant Mr Keen had been seeking approval for the change of use of a detached garden room at the property – which is a Category C-listed building situated within the town’s conservation area. The garden room, which was originally granted planning permission as a domestic annex in January 2024, was proposed to be converted into self-catering holiday accommodation for short-term lets. No external alterations were proposed — making the change of use the central issue before the panel. Planner Claire Ingram had originally refused the application on the grounds it was “not compatible with the character and amenity of the local area, and conflicts with the existing residential land use due to the nature of the tourism activity proposed.” Key concerns centred on the proximity of the garden room to neighbouring properties, with the officer warning that holiday guests would likely use an outdoor decked area, creating noise that could disturb neighbours in evenings and at weekends. The applicant had argued the property had a long history of use for short-term guests, having previously operated as a bed and breakfast and an annex to the Selkirk Arms Hotel. He also insisted the garden room had been deliberately designed with older couples in mind as the target audience. However, members voted unanimously to uphold the appointed officer’s original decision and refuse the application.