One-storey three-bedroom house at Land At Kirkfield, Hartwood Road, West Calder

What was proposed

The application sought a three-bedroom, one-storey house west of the existing dwelling, with mature trees removed to make space.

“The application site forms part of the wider garden ground associated with the property at Kirkfield. The existing dwelling is set back from the road and is screened by a line of mature trees along the frontage. The surrounding area is characterised by low-density properties, typical of the West Lothian countryside. To the north-east of the site, a development of 4 houses has recently been completed, which were granted on appeal to Scottish Government.”

“The proposal involves siting of a 3 bedroom one-storey house to the west of the existing dwelling. The existing line of trees are proposed for removal in order to accommodate the works. The design, scale and materials of the dwelling are acceptable in principle.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The site is countryside outside West Calder’s settlement boundary, within garden ground and surrounded by low-density rural properties.

“The land at Kirkfield is within the countryside, just outwith the southern edge of the West Calder settlement boundary.”

Officer report

Earlier application

A previous application for a house at the site was withdrawn.

“0766/FUL/25- Erection of a house- withdrawn.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended refusal because the proposal was unjustified countryside development and conflicted with policies on character, transport, contamination, trees and biodiversity.

“Unjustified development 8.1 The application site forms part of wider garden ground for the property at Kirkfield that lies outwith the settlement boundary. In order to gain support for housing development in the countryside, the proposal must comply with the criteria of NPF4 Policy 17 and LDP Policy ENV2, as well as Supplementary Guidance Development in the Countryside.”

“Consequently, the proposal does not comply with and cannot be supported under rural homes policies NPF4 Policy 17 and LDP Policy ENV 2 and the SG Development in the Countryside and is therefore an unjustified form of development in the countryside. Impact on the local area 8.4 The character of the surrounding area is established by properties set back from the main road.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The applicant’s agent spoke in support of the application.

The committee vote

The committee unanimously approved the recommendation to refuse planning permission.

“0074/FUL/26 Councillors Willie Boyle and Pauline Stafford left the meeting before consideration of this item and did not participate in the remaining items of business. 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 Proposal Recommendation 0074/FUL/26 Erection of a house (Grid Ref: 301698,662996) at Land at Kirkfield, Hartwood Road, West…”

Minutes