Plans for a new house in a north-east village have been rubber-stamped by the Scottish Government – after twice being rejected by local councillors.
Holyrood planning chiefs have approved proposals for the building in the Glebefield area of Longside, despite concerns raised by locals about its impact on the cul-de-sac.
The Buchan area committee knocked back the application in June, deciding that the new house and footpath would be “out of keeping with the surrounding area due to the size, scale and materials to be used”.
Developers made changes to the form and materials of the planned house and brought the application back to the committee – only to have it rebuffed again.
Taylor Design Services appealed against the decision and the Scottish Government has now ruled that work can begin on the development as outlined in the second vision put forward.
The firm said: “On two separate occasions this recommendation has been overturned by committee, applying the same reasoning to two differing designs offering differing scales, mass, forms and materials.
“This re-submission took into consideration the concerns the committee raised on the first application – along with the comments made during public consultation.”
Trevor A Croft, a reporter appointed by Scottish ministers, investigated the appeal this week and made the decision to overturn the decision reached at the local level.
He said: “From my site inspection, the open space presents a clear eyesore, particularly when seen against the neatly kept gardens of the surrounding properties.
“The proposed new footpath alignment and lighting would make for a more enjoyable and safer walking experience through the area.”
Glebefield is a cul-de-sac containing houses developed some 15 years ago, which includes Dun-Na Cluach, a category C listed old manse building
Conditions have been imposed that developers include adequate driveways, parking, and a layby to increase road safety as part of the scheme.
