West Lothian councillors have rejected plans to build a three-bedroom bungalow in the garden grounds of a large house on the edge of West Calder.
The Development Management Committee heard that the proposals contravened 12 planning policies, including the removal of a row of mature trees lining the roadside boundary at Hartwood Road on the southern fringe of the village.
An agent for the applicants said they planned to occupy the new house with their existing home – Kirkfield-passing on to family. There were no objections to the proposal and planning papers acknowledged that the building’s design was acceptable.
Wendy McCorriston told the meeting: “The existing dwelling is set back from the road and is screened by a line of mature trees along the frontage.
“The surrounding area is characterised by low-density properties, typical of the West Lothian countryside. To the north-east of the site, a development of four houses has recently been completed, which were granted on appeal to the Scottish Government.”
A report to the DMC outlined: “The applicant has confirmed that no farming or other agricultural activities are undertaken on the site. The dwelling is intended to facilitate the applicant’s relocation from their existing home and will not function as a retirement or succession dwelling for a viable agricultural holding or in support of sustainable management of the existing rural business on site. Furthermore, as the proposal is located outwith the settlement envelope, it cannot be classified as infill development.”
It added: “The trees on site form a pleasant feature within the streetscape and provide screening to the existing property.”
An agent for the applicants, Mr and Mrs Hugh Kelly, told councillors her clients “were looking to downsize” because of failing health and intended to provide their existing home for family members.
Chair of the Committee Councillor Harry Cartmill: “It is with the sympathies to your clients; I understand that circumstances change but there are 12 policies this contravenes it is very difficult to make any case for recommendation.
“With some regret, because I take on board the personal circumstances, but because it contravenes 12 policies there’s no way I could make any recommendation other than that made by the planners.”
No alternative position was offered by committee members and the proposal was refused.
By Stuart Sommerville, Local DEmocracy Reporter
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