New Kippford homes will be ‘for life’

A COUPLE have been given the green light to build two new houses in Kippford after convincing councillors of their good intentions in the village.

Janice Reid last week attended Dumfries and Galloway Council’s planning committee to state her family’s case for constructing a two storey house and one-and-three-quarters storey home on grassland at The Warren.

Seven neighbouring residents had written to the council to object to planning permission being granted for the properties, along with a detached garage. They are worried about a loss of privacy, too many trees being felled, road safety, and the negative effect the development could have on wildlife in the area.

However, Mrs Reid, from Peterborough in Cambridgeshire, gave a compelling case to elected members.

She insisted: “We’re not spec builders, we’re not trying to sell on. This is for life.”

Dee and Glenkens Councillor Andy McFarlane asked if her family would be moving into the houses immediately when the building work is complete. Mrs Reid replied: “We have sold our houses to purchase these plots and build on them. They’re going to be family homes. One is for myself and my husband, and the other is for my two daughters.

“The idea is we’re retiring there, and they (daughters) can be there to help when we can’t do it for ourselves so much. And of course, we are there if they ever need a cat-sitter or anything else.

“So, these are going to be our homes – and we love the plots.”

Locals residents had shared concerns about overlooking/loss of privacy, visibility on roads, loss of trees, and the potential negative impact the development will have on wildlife.

However, the applicant told councillors: “We are taking out the weedy ones (trees), and planting new trees in order to diversify what’s there.

“Most of the trees there are self-seeded birch, which aren’t particularly good for wildlife. But we’re planning to plant hazel and beech, all of which provide food for squirrels for example.

“And I want to plant lots of flowers, and bring bees and insects in, which will help bring bats in from the woodland nearby.

“So, the whole point is to make it a home.”

Planning was duly agreed by the committee.