House and dog boarding at Land At Camps Junction North, Located To The West Of Wes, Lo Dog Agility Centre Kirknewton

What was proposed

The application sought permission in principle for one house and dog boarding, with kennels beside the house and access from the existing barn access.

“Planning permission in principle for the erection of a house and dog boarding on land at Camps Junction North, located to the west of WesLo dog agility centre, Kirknewton, West Lothian, EH27 8EU.”

“It is proposed to erect one dwellinghouse, with boarding kennels within the site. The application is supported by an indicative site layout, illustrating the position of 1 property fronting south, with access extended along from the existing access to the barn and fields. Kennels are to be sited to the west of the house footprint.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The site is rural countryside within the East Calder/Kirknewton Countryside Belt, on elevated land west of an agricultural barn used for dog training and storage.

“The site is located to the west of an existing agricultural barn used for indoor dog training and storage of equipment. The field is used for outdoor dog training. The land is enclosed by agricultural fencing and hedging. The field sits in an elevation position within the landscape, set above the road level and roof line of adjacent shed. The land slopes from the north down to the south and rises east to west across the wider site.”

Officer report

Earlier applications and consents

Earlier proposals for a house with cattery or kennels were refused, while permissions were granted for an agricultural shed and dog training facilities.

“The proposed house is unacceptable in that it represents an unjustified development in the in the East Calder/Kirknewton Countryside Belt. The proposal does not meet any of the exceptions for new build housing development in the countryside set out in Policy ENV 2. It is not a replacement house; sited on a visually intrusive brownfield site; a conversion of a rural building of architectural merit; an infill development; or a house on a lowland crofting site.”

“0347/FUL/20 Part change of use from agricultural shed to dog training facility with associated works (in retrospect) granted consent October 2020”

Officer report

Main planning concerns

The proposed house would be an incongruous intrusion on elevated land, with biodiversity, drainage and contamination information also outstanding.

“There is no housing development within the long strip of land to the north of the railway line. The applicant seeks to develop this piece of land to provide private housing. The field is elevated within the landscape.”

“The applicant seeks to alter or provide a new water supply. No drainage layout details have been provided. Sustainable urban drainage measures are required. A revised Phase I land contamination report remains outstanding.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The applicant’s agent spoke in support of the application.

The committee decision

The committee refused planning permission in principle for the proposed house and dog boarding.

“0539/P/25 The committee considered a report (copies of which had been circulated) by the Head of Planning, Economic Development and Regeneration concerning an application as follows: Application No.”

Minutes