Moffat farmers’ planning appeal fails

A MOFFAT farming family has lost a planning appeal to build a new house and detached garage on their land. Mr and Mrs D Hyslop, who run Lochhouse Farm in Beattock, had argued that a new property for a full-time worker was essential for the operation of their large farming business, writes Marc Mclean. They insisted a full-time employee is required to “ensure the welfare and security of the stock and machinery”. Having previously been refused planning permission in principle by Dumfries and Galloway Council earlier this year, the couple took their case to the council’s local review body last week. At that, Nith Councillor John Campbell said: “I’m just looking at the conclusion of the delegated report, and the test of the policy is whether or not the dwelling house is essential, and it’s clearly not in this case. So I would uphold the original decision.” Mid and Upper Nithsdale Councillor Jim Dempster added: “It is quite clear that the officer’s decision was the right one and I would second Councillor Campbell.” Council planning case officer Toril Glendinning wrote in her report: “In this case, it is not considered that there has been sufficient compelling justification submitted to demonstrate that there is a genuine operational requirement for a dwellinghouse in this location, particularly given that the proposed greenfield site is physically and visually remote from any farm steading or operational hub and so would constitute sporadic development in the countryside.”