Listed building alterations and car park at Townend House, Townend Drive, Symington

“Planning permission is sought for external alterations to Townend House, a mid-19th century Category B Listed building located within the Townend Estate to the south-west of Symington, together with the formation of a car park within its landscaped grounds. The application is retrospective and relates primarily to alterations to cast-iron rainwater goods and the creation of a surfaced parking area on previously grassed land.”

“The building comprises long-established residential accommodation with associated grounds. No alterations to the internal layout of the building form part of this application. The proposal solely seeks permission for the external drainage works and the formation of the parking area.”

“The application site comprises Townend House, a mid-19th-century Category B Listed building located to the south-west of Symington within the Townend Estate. The application site includes Townend House itself together with its landscaped grounds. Access is taken via a private estate road shared with several other properties. Areas of woodland within the wider grounds are identified within the Ancient Woodland Inventory.”

“Townend House has most recently operated as a residential care facility (Class 8 of the Use Classes Order) providing long-term accommodation and support for adults with a range of physical and learning disabilities and associated care needs.”

“08/00039/FUL – Alterations to the existing building, including the sub-division of bedrooms. Approved. • 08/01318/LBC – Internal alterations to the listed building. Approved. • 22/00751/APP – Alterations and extension to the existing care home. Approved. • 22/00752/LBC – Alterations and extension to the listed building. Approved. • 25/00690/LBC – Listed Building Consent for cast iron works, submitted alongside the current planning application. Pending consideration.”

“In addition, unauthorised internal works have been undertaken within Townend House. These matters are currently being progressed by the Planning Authority through the enforcement process, and a further retrospective Listed Building Consent application is anticipated to be submitted in due course in connection with those works.”

“Overall, while it is disappointing that the applicant undertook retrospective works and did not engage proactively with the local community, the proposed alterations to the Townend House and the formation of the car park are modest and proportionate.”

“On balance, the proposed alterations and car park formation are proportionate, acceptable in design, and sympathetic to the character of the listed building and its grounds. Appropriate conditions can secure biodiversity, landscaping, and lighting mitigation, ensuring that the works integrate with the surrounding locality.”

“Ayrshire Roads Alliance - offer no objections. Environmental Health - offer no objections.”

“Anticipated increase in traffic along a narrow, private, and unlit access road. • Potential adverse impacts arising from noise, light pollution (including floodlighting and car park lighting), and loss of privacy. • Loss of informal recreational space and disturbance to wildlife, including deer, foxes, bats, and bird species. • Perceived erosion of the quiet, rural, and conservation character of the village.”

“Objection to the construction of a new car park as opposed to resurfacing existing hardstanding areas. • Removal of mature trees and the potential impact on biodiversity, including bats. • Increased vehicle movements, deterioration of the access road, and the associated maintenance burden on residents. • Concerns regarding inadequate drainage provision and an increased risk of flooding arising from the new car park.”

“Decided: that the application be continued to allow the Panel to undertake a site visit and thereafter consider at a future meeting of this Panel.”