Residential care home at Corbridge House, Milton, Crocketford

What was proposed

The application proposed changing a dwelling into a residential care home for up to four children, with a boundary fence and round-the-clock staff.

“The application site comprises a dwellinghouse, known as Corbridge House, located on the edge of the identified Small Building Group of Milton, approximately 10.4 kilometres north-east of Castle Douglas. The dwellinghouse is L-shaped and comprises accommodation over two floors with the easternmost portion of the house containing an integral double garage on the ground floor with living space above.”

“Planning permission is sought for the change of use of the dwelling (Class 9) to form a residential care home (Class 8); in addition to this, the erection of a 1.8 metre high close boarded fence is also proposed along the site’s western boundary, noting that only the section extending forward of the building line requires the benefit of planning permission.”

Officer report

Planning history

There was no recent or relevant planning history recorded for the site.

“There are no recent or relevant planning history recorded.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

The archaeologist had no objection, while the roads officer accepted the access and six-space parking provision subject to conditions.

“Council Archaeologist: No objection. An advisory directive is recommended advising the applicant to contact the Council Archaeologist in the event of uncovering any items or archaeological interest during ground breaking works in relation to the fence.”

“Council Roads Officer: No objections subject to conditions. a) The site is served via an existing access off the C1s public road. There are no proposed amendments to the existing access arrangements. b) The applicant has provided a supporting statement which details staffing and service user figures and expected typical traffic movements.”

Officer report

What residents said

Forty-one objections raised concerns about the rural setting, fence, noise, transport, parking, safety, facilities, need and external lighting.

“The grounds of objection received can be summarised as follows:- a) A Care Home for children with complex behavioural issues and needs would be completely incompatible with the existing peaceful ambience of the area; b) The application form states that the Care Home will be a secure facility and will be surrounded by a 1.8m high fence.”

“The Bus Stop referred to is not on the route and is solely used by school children attending Castle Douglas; g) The number of vehicles entering and leaving the site may cause problems as there is a blind bend not far away; h) There are no facilities for young people in the village; i) There is insufficient parking for staff and visitors; j) There is no demonstrable need for such a facility in this specific location, and more appropriate alternatives with better…”

Officer report

Who spoke

The committee heard from several people, and statements were read on behalf of objectors and the agent.

Why the decision changed

The committee refused the application because Milton was considered a rural Small Building Group without services and facilities to support the proposed housing.

“AGREED to determine the application at the meeting today without the need for a site visit; and…”

“REFUSED application 25/0864/FUL on the grounds that the proposed change of use of the dwellinghouse (Class 9) to a residential care home (Class 8) is contrary to Dumfries and Galloway Council Local Development Plan 2 Policy H6: Particular Needs Housing in that Milton is a rural Small Building Group with no services and facilities and as such, it is not capable of properly supporting the proposed particular needs housing.”

Minutes