‘Office-like’ house design is approved
Revisions to‘contemporary’Bridge of Allan project
Changes are to be made to the design of a new house in a Bridge of Allan cul de sac despite some neighbours feeling it looked like an office.
Bobby Halliday was granted permission to build a house in garden ground at 12 Wellgate Drive in April last year, however the latest application sought to revise the house design and landscaping within the site.
The new application differs from the previous one because of the introduction of a central glazed gable and flat roof dormer extensions on the front with full height glazing to replace traditional dormers. There will also be zinc roofing and timber cladding plus removal and replacement of planting.
The application was considered by Stirling Council’s planning panel as more than five objections had been lodged against it.
Six objectors raised concerns including layout, siting and design. They said the use of a zinc roof and loss of traditional style dormers and sandstone material were a significant departure from the previously approved house design and it looked “commercial in appearance, like an office building”.
There were also concerns that loss of some of the hedging would affect the character of the area.
In her report, however, council planner Jane Brooks-Burnett said: “In terms of the proposed design, this style is considered to fit more successfully with the surrounding area than the original flat roof proposal. While more contemporary in style, overall it is not considered to be completely at odds with the streetscene, which features a variety of semi-modern styles and therefore is considered to be acceptable on balance.
“Of the hedging to be retained this seeks to uphold the character and offer some screening of the site. A sufficient element of hedge will remain and the plans submitted show it is the intention to retain the neighbouring trees. Of the hedges to be removed, it is not considered they are of high ecological value worthy of retention and the proposed replacement planting will offer suitable screening and soft landscaping, which once matured will created enhanced biodiversity opportunities.”
Ms Brooks-Burnett told the panel: “The hedge would be partly replaced by a stone boundary wall. The main change is that hedging would be replaced by a boundary wall at the front.”
Local councillor Douglas Dodds said one of his main concerns was that all the leylandii hedging would be ripped out.
However, planners said some would be retained and some replaced and that a tree report had confirmed that some of the existing hedges were of low value. Neighbouring hedges would be protected by a condition.
Councillor Jim Thomson said he felt the zinc roofing was out of character with the adjacent housing.
However, Ms Brooks-Burnett said: “In this context the zinc roofing style is considered to be high quality material and there’s an existing mix in the vicinity and it is outwith the Conservation Area boundary. The house is generally modern in appearance so zinc roofing is considered to be appropriate.”
Councillor Dodds asked if something could be included giving the applicant responsibility for cleaning up the road after HGV and construction vehicles.
He added: “This is a nice area and Kenilworth Road is in the Conservation Area.”
Head of planning Christina Cox said while construction activity was not something covered by planning control, an advisory note could be applied advising the applicant that such measures would be “welcomed and encouraged”.
Panel members unanimously approved the application.