Emma Combe is also seeking retrospective approval for decking, a pergola and a garden room built without prior planning permission, following a neighbour’s complaint about the development on Dundas Street.
The studio was completed on June 30 and the owner said they believed the building complied with permitted development rights and so planning permission was not required.
After a neighbour raised concerns, a visit from East Lothian Council planning officer Duncan Horsburgh took place on August 15, when he recommended that Ms Combe apply for retrospective planning permission due to the height of the studio and surrounding decking.
The application for the change of use of the studio to a home hair salon was submitted prior to the complaint on July 8, with the form validated on November 18.
North Berwick hairdresser seeks retrospective approval for home salon garden room (Image: East Lothian Council Planning Portal)
Ms Combe has worked as a hair stylist for 22 years and has a long-standing clientele based in North Berwick and across East Lothian, including running Emma James Creative Salon on Market Place.
The design statement submitted to the council says that she has decided to “downscale and provide a more bespoke service from her home focusing on cut and colours”.
Ms Combe would run the salon herself for three days a week, within normal office hours, seeing up to six clients a day and none at weekends.
The statement, submitted by architect Linda Dawson, says there will be limited interruption in the area, with most customers arriving by foot and car parking frequently available for those travelling in their vehicle.
Likewise, those coming from outside North Berwick “may take the opportunity to visit the local shops, services and cafes, further supporting the vitality and viability of the town”.
When not being used as a hair salon, the studio would return to its shared use as a residential garden.
In addition, only one hairdryer would be used at a time.
The proposals also seek to address privacy concerns, stating that the nearest neighbouring window is about 17 metres away “at an oblique angle”.
A curtain has also been fitted across the glazing to provide additional privacy for neighbouring homes.
The supporting statement concludes that the proposal “supports local economic activity while preserving the character and amenity of the neighbourhood”.
The application is now awaiting a council decision.
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