Mr and Mrs Knowles own a four-bedroom cottage and an annexe building in School Brae in the village.
They had sought planning permission from Dumfries and Galloway Council to change the use of the annexe, so they could live in it – and sell the cottage to a family.
Council planning chiefs rejected the proposals in August on the grounds that “a separate free-standing dwellinghouse would result in a ‘backland’ development which would not accord with or enhance the character of the village, and would result in an unacceptably poor level of amenity for the occupants of both properties.”
The applicants thereafter lodged an appeal, which was considered by councillors last week.
In their appeal, the couple wrote: “One of our main aims was that our cottage would be purchased by new owners, such as a family, to use as a home as we had done.
“In the current climate of housing shortages, we are surprised our proposal was considered undesirable by the planning department.
“We believe our proposal for the cottage and the annexe as separate dwellings offers a good level of amenity for the occupants of each dwelling and this was carefully considered when the annexe was designed and built in the landscape.
“Under the plan submitted, each title includes ample private garden space and the revised parking proposals are set out. Fencing and planting has been strategically and sympathetically placed for privacy between the dwellings.
“The annexe had also been designed and built by us with our future needs in mind. We had envisaged living in the annexe for as long as we are reasonably able to.”
They continued: “If our appeal is unsuccessful, we will need to sell the cottage and the annexe and move away from the area, which is undesirable and upsetting.”
At last week’s local review body meeting, Nith Councillor Keith Walters agreed with the planner’s comments about ‘backland’ development.
Meanwhile, Lochar Councillor Maureen Johnstone raised concerns about lack of parking for both properties.
Councillors agreed to uphold the original decision to refuse planning permission.
