Wastewater infrastructure works at Land South Of The Boathouse Restaurant Quayside, Glencaple

What was proposed

The application sought embankment raising, rock armour, a draw-off kiosk, ventilation column and tanker service lay-by for village wastewater works.

“Planning permission is sought for ground re-profiling works to raise the embankment, the placement of rock armour reinforcement to the re-profiled embankment, the installation of a draw-off kiosk and ventilation column, the formation of a service lay-by and associated works as part of a programme to address wastewater capacity issues within the village.”

“PUBLIC PUBLIC 1.4 The proposed rock armour is to be formed in granite, and has been designed in a manner that will allow for seeding / planting between the rock crevices which, once established, will minimise the visual impact of the development.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The site is low-lying grassland beside the restaurant, shop, Shore Road and River Nith, within protected scenic and environmental areas.

“The site of the proposed development comprises an area of low-lying open grassland extending to an area of approximately 1,800 square metres, and is located within the village of Glencaple. The site is bound by the Boathouse restaurant and shop to the north, Shore Road to the east, and the River Nith Shoreline to the south and west. The site generally slopes down from the north and east towards the River Nith to the west.”

“The application site lies wholly within the Nith Estuary National Scenic Area, partly within the Solway Coast Regional Scenic Area, adjoins the Upper Solway Flats and Marshes RAMSAR and SSSI sites, adjoins the Solway Firth Special Area of Conservation and Special Protection Area, adjoins an area of archaeological interest (Historic Environment Record MDG5904 – Glencaple Harbour), and is at high risk from coastal flooding as identified on SEPA Flood Risk mapping.”

Officer report

Earlier application

A previous application for similar wastewater and embankment works was withdrawn because of design concerns.

“The most recent and relevant planning history is noted below:- 24/1522/FUL - ground re-profiling to raise embankment to the west and south, rock armour protection to re-profiled embankment, formation of hardstanding area, installation of 2 septic tanks, outfall structure with scour protection, 1 new draw-off kiosk, 1 new ventilation column and associated works – withdrawn by applicant due to concerns in respect of design.”

Officer report

Consultees’ views

SEPA raised no objection, while roads and archaeology officers raised no objection subject to conditions and directives.

“PUBLIC PUBLIC 2.2 Council Roads Officer – No objections subject to conditions and directives.”

“Council Archaeologist – No objections subject to conditions in respect of a scheme of investigation.”

Officer report

Who spoke

Statements from five objectors were read out, and two people spoke on behalf of the applicant.

The committee’s decision

The committee approved the application, amending landscaping requirements and adding conditions for a public footpath and natural red sandstone rock armour.

“That no development in respect of this planning permission shall take place unless and until details of a proposed public footpath across the application site (to replace the existing informal path) have been submitted to and approved in writing by the Council as planning authority. The said scheme shall show the position and finish of the footpath.”

“That, notwithstanding the details shown on the approved plans, no planning permission is hereby granted for the materials in the rock armour. No development in respect of this planning permission shall take place unless and until details of the proposed finish to the rock armour embankment have been submitted to and approved in writing by the Council as planning authority. The said details shall include the use of natural red sandstone on the exterior face.”

Minutes