Extension is just too close for comfort, says nearby resident
Concerns have been raised about the proximity of an extension to the new Strathmore Community Hub in Coupar Angus to a listed building owned by a local resident.
Johann Rennie, who has lived in the property next door to the Hub for nearly 30 years, has said she is unable to access the rear of her house now the extension has been completed, and that part of the new building is attached to her property.
Ms Rennie told the Blairie:“The rear of my owned, listed building property looks out onto it and in fact part of the extension, not apparent on the approved planning application, is attached to my property.
“I have raised several objections with both Perth and Kinross Council and the chairperson of the Hub but am getting nowhere.
“I met with trustees of the Strathmore Hub and they promised me at that meeting that they would remove the decking/door etc away from my property so that it was not touching it.
“I feel that this was a generous compromise on my part given the fact that this erection was a breach of the planning application.
“I find it quite unbelievable that Perth and Kinross Council told me that it is not in the public interest to remove the structure yet no-one seems to care about whether it is in my interest!
“I came to accept the size of the original extension and proximity to my property prior to this decking etc being built but I’m afraid that, when that happened, I was angry and upset as this is clearly going to have a detrimental effect on the value of my property if and when I wish to sell.
“I feel I have been treated unfairly and with no care or concern given to what I have said.
“As I said to the trustees when we met, I defy any of them to say that they would accept this being‘attached’ to their property.
“I have lived in my house for 28 years and in Coupar Angus my whole life and I am 58 years old. I have served the local community in many different ways over the past 40 years, on two occasions serving on the community council.
“It beggars belief that I appear to have absolutely no rights whatsoever about what happens to my property.
“I am not opposed to the Hub or what it hopes to do, on the contrary I welcome what it will bring to the community.
“I think it will be a great asset for the community and they have done a fantastic job in terms of saving the building from falling into disrepair but I feel as though I have no voice and have been treated pretty unfairly – the point is there’s been no consideration or consultation with me.”
A spokesperson for the Strathmore Community Hub, which is due to be officially opened on Saturday, said:“In response to complaints about the construction of the Hub, the board has been grateful for the communication with local residents throughout the build period.
“Unfortunately, it has not been possible to satisfy all residents’ concerns due to a combination of health and safety guidelines and buildings’ standards compliance.
“The board looks forward to developing relationships with all the residents of PH13 and PH10 which the Hub has been developed to serve.”
A spokesperson for Perth and Kinross Council said: “We received a complaint regarding the erection of decking and a gate at the Strathmore Community Hub and our planning enforcement team investigated the circumstances.
“Our assessment determined that the works technically require planning permission.
“However, the installation of the decking and gate were carried out to prevent the area at the side of the Hub being used as a shortcut, and to allow the planned paved area as part of the Hub site to be installed without any potential adverse impact on neighbouring buildings.
“Additionally, neither structure is attached to those neighbouring properties, which are listed buildings.
“It was therefore decided that enforcement action in this case would be disproportionate however we would encourage an application for planning permission to be submitted in order to ensure regulatory compliance.
“Additionally it should be noted that the issue of access rights are a civil matter between property owners and cannot be taken into account by the planning process.
“We understand this outcome will be disappointing for the complainant.”
I feel I have been treated unfairly and with no care or concern given to what I have said
Johann Rennie