1.5-storey rural dwelling at Land 50M East Of Gainerhill Lodge Muirkirk Road, Strathaven

“Description of Proposed Development 3.1. Planning permission is sought for the erection of a 1.5 storey dwellinghouse, ancillary building and associated works on land 50m east of Gainerhill Lodge, Muirkirk Road, Strathaven.”

“The proposed 3-bedroom dwellinghouse and an ancillary building, the latter of which would accommodate an outdoor storage area and kitchen would utilize the existing access. The proposed materials would be stone walls, metal cladding and roof and in design terms the proposed dwellinghouse would incorporate relatively large dormer features.”

“Site Description 2.1. The application site is located within the designated rural area approximately five kilometres south-west of Strathaven. The application site is accessed off Muirkirk Road and currently contains a temporary residential accommodation structure, stables, an arena and a storage shed.”

“The proposed 3 bedroom dwellinghouse and ancillary building would be located on relatively flat land on the east side of the site and the existing storage shed would require to be removed to accommodate this. The land surrounding the site is agricultural.”

“Relevant Planning History 4.1. Planning consent (reference P/19/1113) was granted in July 2021 for the erection of a stables facility to include indoor arena, stables, office/welfare facilities and temporary residential accommodation. At this time consent for the accommodation was issued for a two year period only and, as such, the consent expired in July 2023.”

“The applicant continued to reside at the property and in February 2024 sought planning permission to form a permanent dwelling at the site (reference P/24/0222). Further to advice from the Planning Service that this was unlikely to be considered acceptable in planning policy terms at the time, they withdrew the application.”

“Climate Change and Biodiversity Policies 1 and 2 of NPF4 and Policy 2 of SLLDP2 seek to encourage, promote and facilitate development that addresses the global climate emergency and nature crisis, and which minimises emissions and adapts to the current and future impacts of climate change. The development is proposed in an isolated location and appropriate justification has not been provided for the siting of the development at this location.”

“Conclusion Given the above, it is considered that the proposed development has not been appropriately justified in policy terms with regards to its rural area location and that there is therefore no justification for a new dwellinghouse at this site. The proposal would have an adverse impact upon the wider amenity of the area, being an unjustified rural area development.”

“Consultations 6.1. Environmental Services – No objection subject to the imposition of standard advisory notes relating to noise and septic tank. Response: Noted.”

“Roads, Transportation and Fleet Services – No objection subject to the imposition of planning conditions relating to parking and electric vehicle charging points (EVCPs). Response: Noted.”

“At its meeting on 27 January 2026, the Committee continued consideration of the application to a future meeting to allow consideration of additional information. The Chair reminded the members that only those who were present at the meeting held on 27 January 2026 were able to participate in this item.”

“There followed a discussion on the application during which an officer responded to members’ questions on aspects of the report.”

“The Committee decided: that planning application P/25/0584 by L Simpson and I Clelland for the erection of a 1½ storey house with associated works at land 50 metres east of Gainerhill Lodge, Muirkirk Road, Strathaven be refused for the reasons detailed in the Executive Director’s report.”