Scottish ministers will consider plans for a retirement home in the garden of a large listed Linlithgow home.
Brae Property Group has lodged an appeal against rejection in August of a plan to demolish a garage and replace it with a small “granny flat” style home in the garden of 11 Royal Terrace.
Councillors on West Lothian’s Development Management Committee had agreed with planning officers that the proposal would “undermine” the historic character of the area close to the Union Canal which cuts through the town.
In papers lodged with the Division of Planning and Environmental Appeals Brae disputes the assertion and says the existence of the garage has already breached the historic character of the area.
Mr M. Fleming had applied to build a one and half storey home and garage at the foot of the garden at 11 Royal Terrace in the town. The Flemings planned to downsize, selling their home and building a small retirement home at the foot of their son’s garden.
An architect for the family agreed that the plan had been a “challenging project”. He added: “The proposal is for a modest high-quality development in the rear garden of our client’s son’s garden. We have listened and we have amended where possible. We believe we have provided a high-quality solution.”
The plan had attracted four objections from neighbours, raising concerns about flooding risk and sewage issues in Preston Park which sits significantly lower, to the rear of Royal Terrace and forms the boundary with the long back gardens of the homes on Royal Terrace.
In papers lodged with the DPEA this month Brae Property Group argued: “The council itself records that the historic boundary at the southern end of the site has previously been breached to provide access to a small garage.
“The rear portion of the site therefore already has a physical and functional relationship with the rear lane and existing built development.
“ The appellant respectfully submits that the historic significance of the Bellevue Terrace grouping does not depend upon every part of every rear garden remaining entirely free from development in perpetuity.”
Brae’s appeal adds: “It is our strong contention that despite the local listing, there is no material harm caused by this proposed development. A view that we feel is strongly supported by Historic Environment Scotland in their decision not to require any engagement into the process, nor require a Listed Building Consent Application.
“We would contend that the addition of a high quality, modest development in this location will improve the Conservation Area which is based on the actual location, and not a generic view based on blind policy.”
A final decision will be taken by a Reporter yet to be appointed by Scottish Ministers.
By Stuart Sommerville, Local Democracy Reporter
