Garden plot home gets go-ahead
Four objections to project
Fresh plans to build a new house on a plot in Bridge of Allan have been conditionally approved by Stirling Council planners.
Bobby Halliday Architects lodged an application seeking permission to develop garden ground at 12 Wellgate Drive last year but later withdrew it.
In pre-application feedback council planners had described the site as having an unusual layout, size and location in comparison to surrounding plots, adding that “a planning application of this type at the site would need to be very carefully assessed in accordance with policies”.
While a few neighbours had been supportive of the application, several others raised concerns including detrimental impact on neighbouring properties, access, increased flood risk and damage to mature trees. However, a new application for a one-anda-half storey house was submitted in December, which has now been given the go-ahead despite four objections again citing concerns over suitability compared with existing properties, impact on trees, lack of driveway, cramming on the site, potential damage by construction traffic on what is a privately owned road, and flooding risk.
In the decision, council planners said: “The application will share the driveway of number 12 and there is no roads requirement to construct a pavement on the development side. It is not considered these proposals will adversely impact upon neighbour’s amenity. Neighbouring trees are to be protected and this is a condition of the approval.
“Permission to use the road is not a material planning consideration and is a private civil matter.
“A drainage impact assessment will need to be submitted before works commence on site.
“The northern part of the garden grounds that runs parallel with the cul de sac and is separated from number 12 by existing garaging and access, is to be subdivided to form the proposed house plot.
“The existing hedging along the northern/southern eastern boundaries is to be retained with new hedging to be planted along the western boundary to provide screening. The site is currently enclosed on all four sides by existing leylandii hedging.
“The proposed house can be accommodated on this site without adverse impact and accord with policy criteria. It is unlikely that the normal residential use of the property would generate a significant noise impact upon existing residents. Construction noise is not controlled by the planning authority.
“There are mature trees close to the boundary with the application site, which the applicant is showing to be retained and segments of established hedge that will need to be removed as part of the construction of the proposal.
“These trees and hedge do contribute to the character and appearance of the area, however, they are not covered by a Tree Protection Order nor located within a conservation area. As such the applicant/owner could remove these trees and/or hedge at any time without the requirement for planning permission.
“A good element of hedge will remain and the plans submitted show that it is the intention to retain the neighbouring trees. This is also a condition of the approval.
“The roads authority were consulted as part of the assessment of the application and have responded with no objections to the proposal subject to certain conditions or information being applied to the consent when granted.”
The architect has said: “Considerable thought and care has gone in to ensure the proposed dwelling would complement the different styles of development in the immediate surrounding area, yet providing all the benefits associated with modern living.”