Four houses at Rosemount Court, Bathgate

What was proposed

The application sought four houses, comprising two semi-detached two-storey three-bedroom dwellings with rear parking accessed from Rosemount Court.

“This application is for planning permission for the erection of 4 houses. The site is a corner plot located at the junction of Mid Street and Rosemount Court, Bathgate. The site is currently vacant. South of the site has a care housing facility, St Johns Parish Church and hall to the north, residential properties to the east and west.”

“The proposal consists of two semi-detached, two storey dwellings with 3 bedrooms. Parking provision is proposed to the rear and accessed from Rosemount Court.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended refusal because the layout and design were unacceptable and the applicant had not provided required technical information.

“In summary, whilst the principle of residential development would generally be considered acceptable within a settlement boundary where the design in layout is acceptable. The applicant failed to provide an acceptable layout that would achieve a satisfactory residential environment. Additionally, the applicant has failed to submit the required technical information.”

“The proposal is contrary to NPF 4; policy 3 (Biodiversity), policy 9 (Brownfield, Vacant and Derelict Land and Empty Buildings), policy 14 (Design, Quality and Place), policy 16 (Quality Homes) and Policy 22 (Flood Risk and Water Management).”

Officer report

Main planning concerns

The proposed building line, layout and scale were considered out of keeping, with privacy, flooding, drainage, contamination and biodiversity concerns.

“Nevertheless, the application site is located within the settlement boundary of Bathgate and residential development would generally be considered acceptable where the design in layout is acceptable. However, the proposed layout and scale of development are not compatible with the character of the surrounding area.”

“Overall, due to the proposed building line, site layout and design, the development appears out of keeping with the surrounding area, resulting in a cramped and overdeveloped form of development.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The committee heard from the agent, Steven Wooton of QB Wood Architects, speaking in support of the application.

The vote and decision

The committee approved the recommendation and refused planning permission; Councillor Willie Boyle’s alternative position was not seconded.

“0232/FUL/26 The committee considered a report (copies of which had been circulated) by the Head of Planning, Economic Development and Regeneration concerning an application as follows: Application No. Proposal Recommendation 0232/FUL/26 Erection of 4 houses with associated works, land at junction of Mid Street and Rosemount Court, Bathgate Refuse planning permission The committee then heard from Steven Wooton of QB Wood Architects speak in support of the application.”

Minutes