Small housing development splits opinion

A GLENLUCE man’s bid to construct two new houses on agricultural land has split opinion in the local community.

Kenneth McKinstry has submitted an application to Dumfries and Galloway Council for planning permission in principle to erect two properties to the rear of Bankfield Farm, Glenluce.

Old Luce Community Council have expressed support, arguing the development would “create employment opportunities, and provide additional housing that would support local community facilities whilst aligning with environmental goals.”

However, 14 letters of objection have been lodged from five neighbouring households.

They have raised concerns about the impact the development would have on local amenity, citing overlooking, overshadowing, noise, light pollution and loss of privacy.

Council planning case officer Iona Brooke is recommending that permission is granted, subject to conditions.

In her planning report, she wrote: “The site is not brownfield given it is an undeveloped area within an agricultural field. However, against a backdrop of mature woodland, it is deemed capable of providing a suitable setting for new residential development.

“There is an allocated site adjacent to the entrance at the former Bankfield Farm which has been developed in recent years with the conversion of the former steading creating six additional dwellings.

“Furthermore, the proposed development would have a positive impact on the overall development strategy of the (Local Development) Plan, which aims to provide a generous supply of land for housing in Dumfries and other local and district centres.”

But neighbours have also raised concerns about disruption during construction, and the unsuitability of existing access roads.

They further argue the proposal would harm local ecology through habitat loss, and warn of drainage problems for neighbouring properties.

Councillors will make a decision at today’s planning committee meeting.