46 affordable houses at Housing Development Scott Road Tarbert Isle Of Harris, Tarbert

“This Report recommends approval subject to conditions of a planning application to erect 46 houses with associated roads and infrastructure over two phases, with the erection of 24 houses and the installation of associated infrastructure and ground works for the whole site in Phase 1, and the erection of 22 houses in Phase 2.”

“25/00244/PPDM – CONSTRUCT 46 HOUSES AND ASSOCIATED ACCESS ROADS, AIR SOURCE HEAT PUMPS AND SURFACE WATER DRAINAGE SYSTEM (SUDS). PHASED DEVELOPMENT - PHASE 1 WILL CONSIST OF THE ERECTION OF 24 HOUSES, ASSOCIATED ACCESS, SUDS AND THE GROUND WORKS TO PREPARE AND GRADE THE OVERALL SITE. PHASE 2 WILL CONSIST OF THE ERECTION OF 22 HOUSES AT SCOTT ROAD, TARBERT, ISLE OF HARRIS”

“Description of Site and its context 5.13 The application site is located to the north of Scott Road and extends to a total site area of 5.3 hectares (approximately 13 acres), of which some 2.53ha is proposed to be developed for housing, roads and associated infrastructure. It currently forms part of a larger area of Common Grazing, part of the North Harris Trust Estate, which has previously been used as ‘rough grazing’ land.”

“To the south, the site adjoins the rear garden boundaries of the existing houses on Scott Road, with the remaining boundaries of the main part of the site largely adjacent to open common grazing land. A telecoms mast is located to the southwest of the site, to the west of the proposed new access road.”

“For the reasons set out above, it is concluded that the location of the proposed development would be acceptable and the provision of new social housing in an area of high housing demand would make a material contribution to the local housing supply. In light of the housing emergency declared by the Scottish Government, this would be a substantial benefit of the proposal.”

“Taking all matters into account, it is concluded that the substantial benefits of the proposed development to housing supply, and the modest economic benefits likely to result from the proposal would outweigh the significant harm to residential amenity due to noise and disturbance caused by rock excavation on the site.”

“Residential amenity • Unacceptable impact on neighbouring occupiers and their quality of life, due to noise and disturbance from blasting and extensive groundwork; disruption will be significant, in very close proximity and last years; prospect of this work taking place prevents occupation of property currently, either by owner or potential tenants, and is causing distress. • Unacceptable loss of privacy for neighbouring occupiers.”

“Infrastructure • Existing problems with low water pressure and severe flooding will be exacerbated. • Existing sewerage problems, with sewage spilling on road and awful smell around the GP surgery and school; how does the existing sewerage system have capacity? • Risks to dam safety and integrity require full assessment, including in relation to possible dam breaches and downstream impacts.”

“The Report stated that the application was classed as a ‘Major development’ under the Town and Country Planning (Hierarchy of Developments) (Scotland) Regulations 2009 (the Hierarchy Regulations) and could not be determined under delegation. The application was therefore, in accordance with the Scheme of Delegation, referred to the Board for a recommendation and to the Comhairle for decision.”

“It was agreed, insofar as the Board’s interests were concerned, to recommend that the Comhairle approve the planning application subject to the conditions set out in Appendix 1 to the Report.”