Dwellinghouse and garage at Land To North Of Birchwood, Ballater

What was proposed

The application proposed a 1.75-storey dwellinghouse with a detached garage, private water connection, septic tank, soakaway and surface water soakaway.

“Drainage is proposed by means of septic tank to soakaway and a surface water soakaway. ENQ/2023/0110 Erection of Dwellinghouse. It was advised that the site would be an acceptable addition to a rural group subject to appropriate layout, siting and design and supporting information. Advice provided February 2023. ASHP Information. This document confirms the specification of the proposed air source heat pump (ASHP). Received 25 th October 2024.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The site was in an agricultural field within the Cairngorms National Park, beside a private track and near woodland, the River Dee and existing homes.

“The Head of Finance and Monitoring Officer within Business Services have been consulted in the preparation of this report and had no comments to make and are satisfied that the report complies with the Scheme of Governance and relevant legislation. Background and Proposal 2.1 This application is seeking full planning permission for the erection of a dwellinghouse and garage on land to the north of Birchwood, Ballater within the Cairngorms National Park.”

“This includes Birchwood to the south of the site and Tynabaich to the south-west, positioned on opposite sides of the track and both orientated to face the A93. Craigview Cottage lies to the north-west of the site, on the west side of the track and faces east. The application proposes a 1.75 storey dwelling with detached garage.”

Officer report

What people said

Four objections and one neutral representation raised concerns about principle, design, landscape, privacy, access, drainage, water supply, woodland and biodiversity.

“Inadequate water supply and concern for impact on water supplies of Crathienaird, Craigview Cottage and Lochnalair; • Inappropriate surface water drainage with concerns for increased water flows; • Impact on protected species; • Impact upon woodland; • No landscaping or biodiversity enhancement proposed; • Negative impact on green infrastructure and limited provision for enhanced infrastructure; • Non-compliance with development plan; • Inaccurate description of…”

Officer report

Who spoke

The Senior Planner referred to the site visit, an environmental health officer answered questions, and the applicant’s representative addressed the water supply.

What members discussed

Members discussed the proposed house size, water quantity, seasonal issues, the water safety plan, storeys and developer obligations.

“The Senior Environmental Health Officer then responded to Members’ questions in relation to the water supply including the timing of the water quantity report and seasonal fluctuation, the water supply risk assessment, and the scope of the water safety and management plan.”

“During discussion, Members commented on the house size and the issues raised in relation to water quantity, along with the reassurances given.”

Minutes