Four-bedroom bungalow at Site Adjacent To Wester Brae, Hatton, Peterhead

What was proposed

The application sought permission for a detached four-bedroom bungalow with a garage, private drainage, public water and onsite surface-water disposal.

“The proposed dwellinghouse would be a detached 4-bedroom bungalow covering an area of 238sqm. The dwelling would consist of a lounge, dining kitchen, bathroom and integrated single garage. Externally the walls would be beige marble dry dash render with a grey/beige Fyfestone basecourse and a Marley modern grey concrete roof tile. The windows and doors would be grey upvc with a steel grey garage door.”

“It is proposed to dispose of foul water waste via a treatment plant and onsite soakaway to the west of the main area of curtilage. It is proposed to connect to the public water mains. Surface water would be disposed onsite.”

Officer report

The site

The greenfield agricultural site lies south of Hatton, beside a single house, with open fields around it and access from a shared track.

“The site is located approximately 1.2km south of the village of Hatton on the eastern side of the A90. The site, which is located within the Accessible Rural Area as defined within the ALDP 2023, is to the immediate west of a single storey dwellinghouse and is otherwise surrounded by open fields. The site is recognised as ‘greenfield’ and is currently in agricultural use.”

“The main part of the proposed plot measures 40m x 40m and there are also areas to the east for drainage infrastructure. In total the site area is approximately 1550sqm.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

Roads officers had no objection subject to conditions, Scottish Water had no objection, and no developer contributions were required.

“Environment and Infrastructure Services (Roads Development) have noted that a greater visibility splay would be more appropriate for this location and there may be an increased liability on those responsible for the maintenance for the private road. Roads Development have no objections subject to conditions.”

“Scottish Water have no objection to the proposal. The proposed development is within the Forehill Water Treatment Works catchment. There is no public waste water infrastructure within the vicinity of the proposed development.”

Officer report

Public representations

No valid letters of representation were received.

“No valid letters of representation have been received.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The committee heard from the Senior Planning Officer and the agent after unanimously agreeing to hear the agent’s representation.

What members considered

The agent discussed earlier works, the revised design, access visibility, drainage, landscaping, biodiversity, local living and low-carbon features.

“Regarding Item 6.1, design of the dwellinghouse, we feel we have improved the design of the original approved dwelling by taking the surrounding landscape into consideration and reducing the proposed dwellings carbon footprint.”

“Regarding Item 6.2 in respect of us providing an up-to-date drainage test, we used the original drainage test as approved with the first house. The building work drains proposals were approved on this basis and in any event, we were never asked to supply revised drain proposals, as I could have supplied evidence from building control so that this was not necessary. It was only until I read the report that I had found that they had commented on this.”

Minutes

The committee’s decision

Members unanimously agreed to delegate approval to the Head of Planning and Environmental Services, subject to conditions, obligations and further details.

“Following a full discussion, the Committee unanimously agreed:-”

“(1) that the application be delegated to the Head of Planning and Environmental Services to Grant Full Planning Permission subject to –”

Minutes

Why the decision differed

Members considered that earlier work and planning history supported the site, and that solar panels, charging points and a nearby bus route supported sustainable development.

“(a) Policy 17 and Policy R2 in putting weight on evidence of work having started and given the planning history of previous approval, the site is well established, and…”

“(b) Policy 15 20-minute neighbourhoods and Policy 1 as the proposal does support sustainable patterns of development given solar panels and charging points are to be incorporated and the site is within walking distance of a bus route…”

Minutes