Councillors defy officials to approve house plan

Plans to build a house on the site of a short-lived golf club on the southern edge of Armadale have been agreed by councillors.

Planners had recommended rejection of the proposals to build in Bridgecastle Road because it would constitute development in open countryside.

Lorna Slattery applied for permission in principle for the erection of a house on land to the north-east of a large house, known as Whit A View on the road.

The site was a car park and clubhouse for Bridgecastle Golf Club which operated over a nine hole course between 1995 and 2007.

A report to the development management committee said: “The site is currently being used in association with nearby agricultural operations.

“To the south west of the site is Whit A View, a large, detached house. To the north-east is land forming part of the former golf course and agricultural land is opposite the site on the southeast side of the road.”

There were no public objections to the plan but planners said it would violate policies, stating:“Although the site has previously developed, and no longer required for its original purpose, it is not visually or environmentally intrusive in its current state.

“The former clubhouse has been removed from the site and the area of land where the former clubhouse was sited has been returned to grass. The site has not been degraded to a point where it cannot be used productively given it is being used in association with agricultural operations.”

Councillor Willie Boyle said there were many lowland crofts in the area, large single homes so designated because the idea was to develop small rural businesses in them. He added:“I see no great justification that it should not be considered for one off development.”

Local councillor Stuart Borrowman told the committee: “It’s a modest proposal. The principle of development here is established. The site is a bit of an eyesore that could be doing with being tidied up.

“I would not be in favour of further grand expansion of Armadale until there’s significant improvements in services, but here is a single house which would probably be, on balance, doing us a favour. In the real world this is within the settlement.”

“I would move approval of the application. This would address an eyesore and be beneficial to the community.”

He was seconded by chair Councillor Charles Kennedy and planning permission in principal was granted.